Tax Levy Rate Approved For 2017

Goodman aldermen approved a 2017 tax levy at a special public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 15.

In the hearing held before the regular Goodman City Council meeting, aldermen approved the 2017 tax levy at $0.6671 per $100 valuation on real estate and personal property.

The matter was voted on twice and approved. The tax rate for 2016 was $0.6559 per $100 assessed valuation.

Ordinance No. 2017-491 is considered an emergency ordinance, as state law requires the tax levy to be set by Sept. 1.

During the regular city council meeting which followed, aldermen said Goodman residents who lost a tree in the devastating April 4 tornado will have a chance to get a free tree in November.

The tree giveaway, which is being hosted by Empire District and the Arbor Foundation, is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4. City council members also will receive a free tulip tree and plant it in the city park. Anyone who lives within the city limits will be able to log on to a website — when it’s launched in coming weeks — and select from a Chinese dogwood, prairie fire crab apple, shortleaf pine, swamp white oak or tulip tree.

Aldermen also discussed the possibility of obtaining a credit card machine for water, meter, court and tax collection fees. A representative from the 1st Community Bank said the machine and setup will cost about $500. Mayor Greg Richmond said he and city clerk Karla McNorton have been discussing the matter for some time and now have gathered some information and financials for consideration. The council decided to place the matter on next month’s agenda for further exploration.

In other business, the council:

Approved the purchase of a $2,000 valve for the water treatment plant;

Approved $150 for OSHA- and EPA-mandated chemical response training in Springfield for David Brodie;

Discussed averaging Earline Wilson’s water bill, due to several leaks. Aldermen will place the item on next month’s agenda. Richmond said Karla Wilson, who addressed the water bill and leaks with the council, has two cousins on the council. Another council member was not present Tuesday night, and Richmond wanted to wait until the council could “properly vote on the matter.” He also said he wanted to allow more time to see if next month’s water bill would also reflect an increase and then staff members can average the bill.

Heard from Richmond that the citywide yard sale went well. He said early rains initially hampered sales, but folks began to participate by noon after the rain subsided. He said he thought the event was successful.