The Smithville Aldermen Monday night will meet in regular monthly session to consider passage of the new budget on second and final reading.

The council approved the budget on first reading last Thursday night, June 21.

The budget totals almost $6.4 million. Under the new spending plan, the property tax rate will remain the same at 64.9 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Water and sewer rates, which were increased last year, will not be changed this year. City water customers pay $7.25 per thousand gallons of usage. Rates for customers outside the city limits pay $10.88 per thousand. Sewer customers both inside and outside the city pay $6.75 per thousand gallons.

Although cuts were made in proposed spending in other areas, a one percent cost of living pay raise for city employees has been included in the budget and their longevity bonuses will remain. Raises due employees in the step wage plan will also be funded.

The half time employee at the animal shelter will be funded on a full time basis. The full time director at the animal shelter, who earns $15.00 per hour, will be raised to the same as entry level pay in other departments. The Chamber of Commerce will also be getting an increase in funding of $5,000 putting the total contribution at $15,000 from the city.

A used utility truck with a dump bed is budgeted for the water/sewer department as well as a newer used vehicle for animal control. New software for police department evidence identification has been included in the budget along with $9,500 to install a wrought iron fence around the veterans monument at Green Brook Park.

Fire hydrant repairs and maintenance of $25,000 is being funded in the water and sewer budget and the city plans to replace 400 feet of sewer lines on Bright Hill Road, a $40,000 expense. The city will also purchase 2 air tanks for the sewer plant and buy a tank for the plant at a cost of $1,261.

In other business, monthly departmental reports will be given and the aldermen will act on second and final reading of proposed ordinance # 475 adopting a revised Ordinance for the City of Smithville Zoning Ordinance.

Any other business properly brought before the board will also be considered

The meeting Monday night will be at 6 p.m. at city hall.

A 43 year old homeless man was found in Alexandria in possession of a stolen truck last week.

Travis James Beal is charged with theft of property over $1,000. Beal’s bond is $10,000 and his court date is July 5.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, June 22 a deputy was called to Brush Creek Road, Alexandria where a man was passed out in a truck. Upon arrival the officer found the man, Beal in the truck with the ignition on. A computer check revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Kansas. Beal was placed under arrest.

45 year old Kristie Renea Shehane of Granville Drive, Smithville is charged with reckless endangerment and a third offense of driving under the influence. Shehane’s bond is $9,500 and her court date is July 5.

Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, June 23 a deputy observed a vehicle leave its lane of travel four times on Dale Ridge Road. He conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver, Shehane. He noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage about her person. Shehane’s seven year old son was a passenger with her. Shehane performed poorly on field sobriety tasks and she submitted to a blood test.

53 year old James Brian Storie of Poss Road, Smithville is charged with criminal trespassing. His bond is $3,500.

Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, June 18 a deputy was dispatched to Arrow Head Drive due to a reckless driver. Upon arrival, the officer found Storie on the premises. The owner of the property said Storie did not have permission to be there and was not welcomed.

Storie had previously been cited on May 2 for criminal trespassing at the same residence.