Tara Berreth

The meeting focused on providing information regarding the NPR pool, including its guiding principles where the top goal is member focus. Discussions covered the history of Midwest Public Risk (NPR), formed in 1983, and its structure comprising NPR of Missouri and NPR of Kansas. Governance structures, including the overarching NPR board, were detailed, noting that board members are elected by member representatives during the annual meeting. Key member rights discussed included participation in programs, voting, and the right to appeal claim denials, with a specific example given regarding whistleblower claims where the board agreed to remove an exclusion. Member obligations require participation in at least one program and timely contribution payments. The employee benefits program review detailed efforts to secure better buying power by joining Employers Health and conducting pharmacy audits. Furthermore, the administration of the benefits plan, including annual required notices (like COBRA and Medicare Part D) and the use of an online benefit administration tool for employees and administrative staff, was covered. Financials are audited annually. Finally, employee engagement initiatives such as health and financial webinars were presented.

The meeting included citizen communication where time limits for speakers were noted. The board approved the consent agenda, which covered minutes from special and regular meetings held on February 4th and 5th, 2026, and the bills list from February 19th, 2026. A financial update indicated strong performance, with February sales tax revenue over 11% higher than the previous year and January revenues over 9% higher than budgeted. Old business involved the approval of several ordinances on second reading: authorizing a 5-year lease extension for the Lee C. Memorial Airport, approving a change order for the Margaritavville sewage relocation project, amending alcoholic beverage licensing regulations, amending personnel rules and regulations, and adopting the 2026 through 2030 Capital Improvement and Asset Replacement Plan. In new business, a proclamation honoring Ronald McDonald House week was read, although the designated week had passed. Additionally, a presentation was given on the sports feasibility study, with a motion to proceed to be considered at the next meeting.

The Board of Aldermen meeting addressed citizens' communications, although no individuals spoke during that segment. The consent agenda, including minutes from the January 7th meeting and the 2022 bills list, was approved. Unfinished business included the passage of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. under a cooperative procurement agreement. Financial updates indicated a record-breaking January sales tax revenue (reflective of November activity) and positive overall fund status for the fiscal year 2026 start. New business involved a public hearing for the voluntary annexation of a corner of the outlet mall property into city limits, discussed later in the agenda after procedural clarification regarding a potential speaker. The board approved a resolution to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget to cover a carryover contract from fiscal year 2025 for city hall restoration repairs, noting an upcoming supplementary insurance payment. Further agenda items involved the approval of ordinances amending the 2026 annual operating budget for building maintenance and for the Margaritaville sewer relocation project, both being carryover items from 2025. Additionally, resolutions were passed to amend budget expenditures for the Margaritaville sewer relocation project and for the lift station 330-05 improvement project.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum, noting one Alderman would be slightly delayed. The entire session was designated as an executive session only. The agenda included a roll call vote to close the meeting pursuant to RSMO section 610.021, specifically concerning legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving a public governmental body and confidential or privileged communications between the body and its attorney. The motion to move into executive session passed via a roll call vote.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. The consent agenda was approved, followed by a financial update noting sales tax revenues were under budget by 1.9% but overall revenues were under budget by 8% against expenditures under budget by 30%. Unfinished business involved tabling specific agenda items from 2025 to be addressed in 2026 to clean up the docket. Ordinances concerning authorizing contracts, amending design guidelines, and repealing a section on water fluoridation were considered but generally failed due to a lack of seconding motions. The board approved the annual budget for the fiscal year 2026. An ordinance authorizing an annual contract extension with Tyler Technologies, Inc., with an annual cost increase not to exceed 5%, was discussed and approved on both readings, which involved adjusting billing cycles and clarifying that this expense falls under the newly approved 2026 budget. Finally, the board approved the annual request for writing off bad debt for water/sewer, municipal court, and ambulance funds, noting efforts to improve ambulance revenue collection with a new billing company.