The Warsaw City Board discussed a proposed 3 percent utility rate increase at its November 4 meeting, and a public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Dec. 16. City officials said a legal notice of the hearing will appear in the Benton County Enterprise. The proposed increase drew lengthy discussion, and it was noted during the meeting that inflation currently stands at 4.2 percent. The Board’s consensus was also to raise water deposits and the tampering, restoration and new connection fees. Present were Mayor Eric Masoner, Alderpersons Kaci Cooner, Eric Flores, Kim Pearcy, Jennifer Flores Rob Coskey and Tyler Mutch. City employees present were Devin Lake, Brad Blankenship, Brenda Geise, Jason Wenberg and Adam Howe. City Attorney Cale Haddock was also present.
Alderpersons passed Ordinance 657, which calls for a general election on April 6, 2027. Voters will elect alderpersons in Wards One, Two and Three, each for a two-year term. The ordinance passed on two readings with all members voting aye.
The Board also passed Ordinance 658, vacating the portion of State Street between Kosciusko Street and the previously vacated Niangua Street. The 66-foot-wide strip lies between Lot 3 of Block 46 and Lot 1 of Block 47 in the Original Town. Under the ordinance, the south 33 feet will go to the adjacent owners at 812 State Street, and the north 33 feet to the adjacent owners at 818 Commercial Street. The City will keep all existing utility easements. The ordinance also passed on two readings with all members voting aye.
Alderpersons considered Resolution 2026-18, which authorizes the Mayor to sign an agreement with PeopleService, Inc. acknowledging cost adjustments under the city’s operations and maintenance agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The adjustments are: The annual maximum for non-capital maintenance and repair expenses rises from $34,872 to $36,406. Monthly compensation rises from $36,267 to $37,873. The “base amount” for chemicals rises from $4,161 to $4,344. Officials said the increases follow the terms of the existing contract.
City staff presented quotes for a boat dock for the Water Patrol. Assistant City Administrator Brad Blankenship said he contacted six companies and received only one response. The Board’s consensus was to offer a lease on a large, covered boat slip, with the roof to be installed, for the Water Patrol’s two boats. The City would recoup the cost over time through lease payments. The quotes are in the online council packet.
Alderpersons also discussed raising rental rates on city-owned properties for 2027, with adjustments to be made annually. The consensus was to move forward with the city administrator’s recommendations
Tiffany Hill, the new secretary for Jubilee Days and a representative of The Nourish Circuit/Community Garden, spoke to the Board. She asked about the paperwork needed to get Jubilee Days dates on the City calendar and was told to get the forms from the City office, complete them and return them. She will need to come back before the Board to answer questions. Hill also said the land the previous mayor had offered for the community garden lies in a flood zone, and the group wants to look at other sites. She asked whether the group could propose a City-owned property or whether the City would suggest one. She was advised to work with City staff to find a suitable location. The group already has some supplies and hopes to have the garden going next year.
The Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled to meet Nov. 5 at 6:00 PM, with its recommendations going to the Board for approval on Nov. 18. The first draft of the City budget will also be presented that night.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
