The Smithville Board of Aldermen is moving forward with a plan to freeze employee wages and do away with employee dental insurance coverage.

During the board’s July 21 meeting, the board approved a draft of its 2009-2010 budget. Next month, the board plans to officially pass the budget.

The proposed changes for employees are part of a budget-cutting plan that stems from projected revenue drops.

Because of sales tax revenue figures not seen since 2001, flat property tax revenue and other revenue factors, the city is proposing an about $3.28 million annual budget — close to a 5.5 percent drop from its current budget.

While all board members ultimately agreed with the proposals, board members expressed mixed opinions on the personnel changes. A city salary and benefit committee, composed of board members and city employees, recommended the changes.

Board member Bob Foreman called the dental benefit “extravagant.” He pointed out the city pays the first $500 of employees’ $2,000 dental deductible and offers a plan free of co-pays.

Board member Mark Krokstrom agreed.

“I don’t think the employees of the city ought to have a life and benefits that are that far out of line with what most people in Smithville have,” he said, adding that the people of Smithville help fund the city’s budget.

Brian Fullmer was concerned with both the loss of dental insurance proposals and no raises.

“I want employee morale to stay up,” Fullmer said.

Mayor Carol Troutwine also expressed concern with the dental insurance cut proposal. She said she worried employees would quit going to the dentist, which could translate into health problems down the road. In addition, she wondered if the city could find a way to promote local dental care with its employees.

In other business

Also during the meeting, the board approved special use permits for installation of an electronic scroll text sign at both Littleton Ford and Discount Smoke and Liquors (previously the North Conoco station).

The board approved the permits on both the first (preliminary) reading and second (final) reading during the meeting, something Foreman and board member Adam Naber objected to.

Both board members favored waiting another two weeks to approve the proposals in order to provide time for public opinions on the issues.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

The Smithville Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing on the city’s property tax levy ordinance at the beginning of its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4, at City Hall. Smithville residents are welcome to speak during this time.

The city is proposing to leave the property tax levy at its current rate of 48 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Following the public hearing, the board plans to give preliminary approval to the 2009-2010 tax rate. During its Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting, the board plans to give the rate final approval.

Smithville Editor Nancy Hull Rigdon can be reached at 532-4444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .