Oct 24, 2019
Ozark City Council Meeting, Special Session 

Working Budget Meeting 

Ozark’s Mayor Roxie Hall called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. All council members were present except Flanary, who had a previously scheduled event; Susan Holman, Aerial Nicely, Charles Meeker, Randy Melton, and Rex Anderson. 

Mayor Hall stated that this would be an informal budget meeting where department heads can give a projected account of their budgets. 

Cecil first addressed council with his department budget for 2020. He said that one big thing will be a water master plan and said the health department is now requiring these studies to be in place. The cost will be approximately$ 94,000.00. These plans help to identify problems. Once developed, it won’ t be so expensive. 

He said the meters reading system will need to be updated. The water treatment plant needs updates. He has 9 employees and two summer help employees. He has one opening for a meter reader that needs to be filled. 

Police Chief Bramlett discussed needs for the Police Department. He made a few changes, one being a server will be required for the department, and two police cars at in the county yard and need to be replaced. He has two backup units that are 2011 models, but they need to be replaced… he gave estimated costs for replacements giving council 6 options from a v6 Charger to a Dodge Ram truck ranging in prices from$ 20K to 34K and a vehicle being fulling outfitted will be from$ 40-60K. 

New state bids should be out in November. 

He has also asked Pinnacle to do a study for internet speeds. Mayor Hall found a$ 100 per month savings in the internet bill now. 

Brooke reported for the Community Center. She said the software, EZ Facility needs additions, so that cost is up, and the janitorial would be less because Mayor Hall dropped the window cleaning service. Brooke also noted that the cost of lifeguards would go up because of the minimum wage increase. 

Holman asked if the gym floors were being properly maintained and stated that those costs are what the 1/ 8 cent operation fund is specifically for those expenses. Mayor Hall stated that there were some issues in the center than need to be addressed. She said a kitchenette needs to be added to one of the meeting rooms to accommodate parties. Cecil said Raymond Tolbert is giving us an estimate. 

Sunbelt suggested a CO 2 method to control PH levels and acidity making it easier to control. The startup cost would be approximately$ 6K. In January the pool staining issues from metals in source water will be addressed. The pool will be closed from Jan 13-201h for a cleaning, re-grouting and deep cleaning. 

Mayor Hall suggested council consider pulling Jody and Michael from the overseeing the community center as Brooke has proved herself over the last couple of years and should handle the center herself. 

Jody reported for the Street Department that Parks are needing some attention so the expenses will be raised for that. He noted that the ballfield lights are shot and in need of repair. Susan felt that this should only be addressed where needed most as the costs outweigh the need. 

Jody said he will need summer help and that using community service people was not working out. 

Mayor Hall stated that she wants to do a uniform allowance that is equal for each employee needing uniforms, so it is fair to all. 

Street also needs another vehicle. He has a 05 truck that has 140K miles on it. This vehicle basically just pulls mowers. A basic truck cost will be around$ 16, 700.00. 

One mower needs to be replaced and he would like to have a mini excavator because the backhoe is too large to go many places where excavation is needed. 

Cecil said that you can lease those and will get pricing for the council for an option. 

Street signs also need repair, but Mayor Hall said the city has never paid for those and she gave the list to the county judge. 

Fire Chief Trotter then gave out a listing for the fire department of needs. 

He said the new engine will be here mid-July and asked clerk Eveld to change the Gasoline line to be Fuel. Also, he wanted Safety equipment to be Safety/ Medical Supplies. He felt IT Support can be dropped for the department as they do not use a specific software. 

He said the AC unit is out at Station# 2 and needs to be replaced. He also is needing to replace one vehicle that is having high repair bills and low gas mileage. It will not stay aligned. Trotter suggested buying a% Ton as it would last 20 years. 

Mayor Hall reported that she has given the council various salary increase options for their review and that she felt our city attorney needs a salary of$ 32,000.00. 

The Senior Center will no long have a city employee as this is unfair to the employee and the city and will fund the center at a price of$ 25,200.00 which will save the city some money. 

The Council will meet again November 5th at 5:30 after the Street and Water Committee meeting at 4:30. 

Clerk Eveld will plug in the anticipated costs and get the budget to council to rework as needed. 

Meeting adjourned at 8: 17 p. m. 

Approved by council on November 18th, 2019 

Mayor Roxie Hall