The Cole Camp City Council met Wednesday, January 29 at 6 p.m. for a special session. The meeting was closed session first and then came back to deal with Ordinance #573 to correct the Clerk’s Fee from $12.00 to $15.00. Dawn informed the Council the City will have to furnish their own Attorney in court as well as a Bailiff.
Bill No. 2025-03 dealing with the School Resource Officer for Benton County R-1 had a first and second reading by title only and approved to become Ordinance #575.
Resolution 2025-01 was approved. The Resolution approves the hiring (temporarily) of Bob Beeson for Sewer Operator until a full time Public Works Director is in place. Resolution #2025-02 was approved to make Wm. Smart the Water Operator (temporarily) until said time the City has their Public works Director in place.
Renewal of a Certificate of Deposit was next on the agenda. This turned into a lengthy discussion between the various Council members. The City Clerk had been instructed to call various banks in Sedalia, Lincoln and Warsaw to compare interest rates. Citizens Farmers Bank of Cole Camp’s President, Randy Harms, quoted 4.3% and said he would not negotiate the rate, He also stated he thought the City should talk to him in person to discuss the matter.
As it turned out the Cole Camp Bank came in with the best CD rate. David Locke, who spearheads the Street Department, called UMB Bank in Warsaw and had been offered 4.5% on a money market account that allowed six checks a month to be written free. Locke stated he wanted to move his Street Department funds there.
He said, “I have begun campaigning for re-election and I’ve had voters say they have concerns the City keeps all its money in one bank.”
He concluded, “I want my street money in a separate account.”
Long and lengthy discussions ensued with Council members stating their stance.
Jeremiah Crider said, “I don’t want to see the money taken out of the Cole Camp Bank. We need to leave the City’s money in Cole Camp.”
Locke responded with a motion stating “Leave the money in Cole Camp except for my street money.”
He then withdrew the motion.
Steve Knox then made the motion, “Leave the entire amount and roll it over.”
He then withdrew the motion.
Mindy Fox made a motion to leave one million in the CD and take the remainder and put it in the General Fund to pay back the Street Account. The motion passed with Dave Locke abstaining.
The Property Insurance was on the agenda and it was decided to retain the Insurance with Redwood and make them the Broker of Record. The City will work with Mike Keith Agency on Workmen’s Comp later in the year.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
