The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for a regular board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 26, in which discussion surrounded the city’s ongoing mission to have working storm sirens. Those in attendance included Mayor Greg Parker, board members Rick Letchworth, John Whelan, and Catherine Dent. Not in attendance was board member Nathan Kinsey.
Storm siren bid approval
Police Chief Joe Chase provided the summary for the board, bringing them up to speed regarding the storm sirens within the city and actions taken so far to improve the situation. As described by Chase, the city has been pursuing rectifying its aging siren system during the last two years. After publishing its request for bids, the city received notification from SEMA that it was selected for application development, indicating the project is to be funded as long as it is approved by FEMA.
The bids for sirens were rejected during the board’s meeting May 13, 2025, in order to pursue grant funding through SEMA’s Hazard Mitigation program; however, a SEMA representative contacted the city, stating less funds were received for the program than anticipated. The representative asked if the city would consider reducing its grant application to half the amount. If the city moved forward with the grant application, the time frame for SEMA review would be two months—then, onto FEMA, pushing the award of grant funding to April or June 2026.
The owner of Table Rock Alerting Systems, the bid originally selected to replace and repair storm sirens prior to pursuing grant funding, was reached out to. It was discovered the company would be able to repair the sirens at a cost that was considerably less than paid historically.
Bid options provided by Table Rock Alerting Systems includes a battery backup and allows the city to continue benefiting from existing sirens that function properly, while augmenting the system with brand new sirens that increase the decibel rate and range of the existing system.
The option is slightly lower, explained Chase, due to the understanding that the city will provide the poles and assist in installation.
Speaking on the bid options provided was owner/operator of Table Rock Alerting Systems, Cruz Newberry. Newberry summarized the siren’s as they currently stand, stating that there are currently eight sirens across the city ranging in age, with the oldest siren from the 1970s. All of the sirens are inoperable during power outages, which is not ideal in a situation where warnings are not received until the power is already out.
The proposals provided included:
• Option #1: Two large, non-directional sirens placed at the ends of the city, which would replace the siren near Salem High School and add an additional unit near the Methodist Church on Doss Road
• Option #2: Adding two new sirens with battery backup capability and converting two currently existing sirens to battery backup, and continuing to utilize the rest of the city’s operating siren system, recommended by Newberry
• Option #3: A new siren system featuring three smaller sirens
After the board’s discussion with Newberry on the proposed system, Burbridge further explained that the recommended option #2 would require the use of prior year funds, approximately $63,900. The board approved going with option #2.
The board heard the second reading of an ordinance levying for the year 2025 a tax rate of 67.80 cents, with the tax rate hearing having been held last meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The board approved the tax rate, as proposed.
First and second readings included the following, with all approved:
• An ordinance for the city to execute an Abatement Order on Consent (AOC) with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP.) As outlined within the staff summary, this is an alternative to fines and legal action—the city has agreed to a plan and timeline to fix the issues within the WWTP. This agreement gives the city time to make necessary improvements while ensuring it stays compliant in meeting environmental standards.
• An ordinance annexing adjacent territory into the city, owned by Brady and Micah Adams containing 14.36 acres, with the public hearing having been held last meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12. There have been no petitions filed objecting to the annexation, according to the staff summary. Further, the board approved R-3 zoning classification to be applied to part of the acreage to allow for multifamily homes to be constructed. The board also approved the subdivision plat, titled “Westwood North Subdivision,” which contains 35 proposed residential lots.
Street closures
The board approved the following street closures:
• Dent County Historical Society member Deloris Gray Woods requested a street closure Saturday, Oct. 4, surrounding the Dent County Courthouse and to the Salem Public Library. Woods further requested the use of the City Hall Auditorium, in case of inclement weather
• The route for Salem R-80’s annual School Kick-Off Parade Friday, Aug. 29
• Michael Connors request for the use of Al Brown’s Baseball Field Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., for a concert
The board approved the appointment of Carolyn Chrsesen to the Library Board Committee, as nominated by the members of the Library Board of Trustees.
Reports of city officials
City Administrator Sally Burbridge
Burbridge thanked staff who attended the WWTP workshop, stating that utility staff she spoke with expressed appreciation for the learning opportunity.
She reminded the board that the next meeting will feature a request for street closure for the Trunk or Treat.
Mayor Greg Parker
Upcoming events include:
On Thursday, Sept. 11, Girl’s Night Out will be at the Salem Community Center and go from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Several events will be occurring on Saturday, Sept. 13, including:
• An MRPC recycling event in Salem, located at Third and Grand
• A Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) bed build located at the Fire Department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• A concert at Al Brown Baseball Field, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $25.
Public Works Director Steve Paine
If residents have any utility issues, submit work orders by calling 573-729-4117. With other questions or concerns, contact the administrative building by calling 573-729-4811. After hours issues, call the police department’s non-emergency dispatch number at 573-729-4242. Social media does not generate work orders.
Paine reminded the public that the public works department shops are employee only areas. If a resident is completing a project and in need of a work permit, they must go to the administration building. This is also for records keeping purposes, reiterated Parker.
Paine also stated he’s working with MPUA to find an electric superintendent.
• The WWTP is healthy with the fence replacement project ongoing. Staff are hoping to wrap-up the project soon.
• The water department conducted several water line repairs. Paine thanked team members for completing the water repair off of North Main Street and 7th Street, which required a lane closure.
• The electric department continued light repairs and replacements throughout town. The department has completed two new pole replacements since last month, shared Paine. Paine commended new lead Donnie Moore for his efforts since taking over.
• Construction crew members finished the final pour on the West Bergman Drive curb and gutter project, with Paine sharing that several residents have commended the work done for the project. Crew members will be moving on to the FEMA mitigation project at the WWTP, to work on the concrete barriers for the electric panels.
• The street department will be assisting in backfilling the West Bergman Drive project. Crew members will also be assisting at the cemetery, mowing citywide, and street painting projects.
• City mechanic Jon Roos is working to fix indoor lights at the Community Center @ the Armory. He’s completing maintenance on city mowers, as needed. He was able to fix the street sweeper and get it back in working order.
Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois
Salem MO Spectacular is returning Oct. 25 and is currently accepting vendor and food truck applications, with 45 applications received so far. The event is currently looking for sponsors. There will be eight hot air balloons this year with two offering tethered rides at $15 per person. One of the hot air ballons will be a pink llama, said DuBois.
DuBois also noted:
• The pool is officially closed, as of Sept. 1.
• Flag football draft is Sept. 2 (today)
• Al Brown Baseball Fields has had its fencing fixed. Parks and Recreation has been in contact with the US Army Corps of Engineers, due to the erosion.
Finance Director Stacey Houston
Total sales tax revenues collected for FY 2026 is $845,907, including general fund, parks and recreation fund, and capital improvement fund. This amount has increased 8%.
Utility usage and revenue FY 2026:
Electric kWh’s sold is 4,593,266 kWh’s, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the same time period as last year. Revenues billed are $627,737, which is also down from the prior year.
Purchase of Power, what the city pays to MPUA to provide power, was $394,279, which is slightly less compared to the same time period as last year.
Water consumption billed totaled 10,692,923 gallons, showing a decrease compared to the same period as last year. Revenues billed were $99,001, up from prior year due to a rate increase that went into effect in July 2025.
Sewer consumption billed was 9,858,051 gallons, showing an increase compared to the same period as last year. Revenues billed totaled $134,454, this is up from prior year due to a rate increase that went into effect in July 2025.
Fund balance summary shows data for FY 2026. The total of all funds is $14,233,750, with revenues 6% of the budgeted amount, while expenditures were 7% of the budgeted amount.
Houston further noted that the city has allocated funds for the 2026 budget to support nonprofit organizations. The request for funding applications is available on the city’s website and due to the city Sept. 18. If in need of more information, contact Houston or visit the city’s website.
Alderwoman Catherine Dent
The Community Involvement Committee has been busy working on getting an advocacy for animals group to start and will be handing out information at the rodeo. The beautification portion of the committee will be meeting to work on Craig Plaza on Friday, Aug. 29.
