Lower Bills, Higher Wages and Big Honors: A Big Night for Excelsior Springs City Council

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (November 17, 2025) — The Excelsior Springs City Council covered a wide range of business Monday night, from lowering sewer rates and advancing major streetscape work to approving a cost-of-living increase for city employees. The meeting also included recognition for residents and businesses whose neighboring efforts have helped earn Excelsior Springs statewide honors for the second year in a row.

Public Hearing on Sewer Rate Reductions

The meeting opened with a public hearing on a proposed reduction to sewer charges, which drew no comments from residents. Public Works Director Chad Birdsong explained that the city’s annual budget review showed healthy reserves in the sewer fund, allowing for a rate decrease effective January 1, 2026.

Under the approved ordinance (25-11-06), the base rate for inside-city customers will drop from $24.63 to $24.23, and the consumption charge will fall from $12.08 to $11.88 per 1,000 gallons. Outside-city customers will see proportional reductions. The council unanimously approved the measure.

Streetscape Engineering Contract for 2026

Birdsong also presented the city’s next major maintenance effort: the 2026 Streetscape Project, funded through the Transportation Trust Fund. The work includes base repairs, chip sealing, a full reconstruction on one street, and UBAS surfacing in various locations.

The council approved Resolution 1621, authorizing a $129,350 task order with LampRynearson for engineering, design, construction administration, and observation. Construction is expected to be bid and approved in 2026.

Filing Dates Set for April 2026 Municipal Election

City Clerk Shannon Strad announced candidate filing dates for the April 7, 2026, municipal election. Filing will open December 9 at 8 a.m. and close December 30 at 5 p.m. Two council seats will be on the ballot, currently held by councilman Renne and Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John.

Liquor License for Three Olives Italian Kitchen and Bakery

Police Chief and Liquor Control Officer Greg Dull presented a liquor license request for the soon-to-open Three Olives Italian Kitchen and Bakery, located at 101 West Broadway. The business has met the city’s requirements and will receive its license contingent on final state approval and city occupancy permits. The council unanimously approved the application.

New Police Vehicle Purchase

Chief Dull also requested authorization to purchase a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, replacing an aging patrol vehicle. Chuck Anderson Ford submitted the low bid at $45,134, which will be funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax Bond. The PSST Oversight Committee supported the purchase, and the council approved Resolution 1622.

Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John noted the department’s transparency in discussing its vehicle replacement plans during a recent meeting with council members.

MLS GO Partnership for Youth Soccer

Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams presented an agreement with RCX Sports LLC to enhance the city’s youth soccer program. Through MLS GO, players will receive upgraded uniform kits, coaches will receive curriculum support, and teams will receive additional equipment.

Williams emphasized that registration fees will not increase, keeping Excelsior Springs among the region’s most affordable programs. The council approved Resolution 1623.

Copier Lease Agreement for Community Center and Police Department

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the city’s technology director identified a cost-saving opportunity for copier leases through Sumner One, an authorized Konica Minolta dealer. The new agreement averages usage over a year rather than billing for monthly overages, reducing costs by an estimated 11 to 20 percent. The council approved Resolution 1624.

Architectural Services for Hall of Waters

McGovern also presented four architectural service proposals from Strata Architecture and Preservation, totaling $151,155, to study critical needs at the Hall of Waters. The projects include:

• A permanent solution for the well room support structure
  
  
• A structural assessment of the historic tower and boiler draft system
  
  
• Evaluation of pushing windows and damaged concrete in the east wing
  
  
• Updated recommendations for basement dehumidification

Public involvement will be built into the well room study, with participation from the Friends of the Wells, the Hall of Waters Committee, and the Historic Preservation Commission. The council approved Resolution 1625.

Public Safety Sales Tax Committee Ordinance Tabled

Mayor Mark Spohn recommended that Ordinance 25-11-07, establishing allocation percentages for the Public Safety Sales Tax Committee, be tabled. He requested revisions to the distribution formula before bringing it back for further consideration. The council agreed unanimously.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment for City Employees

The council approved a budget amendment (25-11-08) to increase general fund revenue projections by $259,415, enabling a 2.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all city employees retroactive to October 1.

Finance Director Vonda Floyd explained that updated year-end revenues for property taxes, franchise fees, motor fuel taxes, and vehicle sales taxes allowed the adjustment. Council members asked whether the city could reinstate meal allowances cut by the fire department during budgeting, and McGovern said she would review those cuts with all departments and return with recommendations.

Monthly Revenue and Appropriations Report

Floyd also delivered the October 2025 financial report, noting that the first month of the new fiscal year included $3.64 million in appropriations and $2.12 million in revenue. Large payments included a $95,000 Dry Fork project cost, a $253,946 streetscape payment, and a $194,000 tower maintenance contract. The city has already received a $741,012 Dry Fork grant reimbursement in November.

City and Residents Recognized for Neighboring

The meeting shifted to celebration as Laura Mize, the city’s Neighborhood Specialist, and David Burton of the University of Missouri Extension presented statewide awards for Good Neighbor Week:

• Excelsior Springs was named one of Missouri’s Most Neighborly Cities for the second year
  
  
• Other Trails received one of two statewide awards for Neighborly Business of the Year
  
  
• Robbie Farabee, known for his joyful sidewalk chalk art, was honored as one of Missouri’s 20 Most Engaged Neighbors

Farabee also received a $100 award check.

Mize invited attendees to stay after the meeting for cookies in celebration.

Final Remarks

McGovern announced that Laura Mize has been appointed to the MARC Commission on Aging, calling it a valuable step for the community.

Council members then shared reflections on the Thanksgiving season, praised the local award winners, and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Lighted Christmas Parade.

Mayor Spohn closed the evening by congratulating all award recipients and sharing that even his grandchildren consider the annual duty of lighting the city’s Christmas tree a highlight of the season. With business complete, the council voted to adjourn