Chillicothe City Council members approved several contracts for the coming year, approved a bid for improvements on Trenton Road and endorsed the proposed countywide tax levy for renovating the Livingston County Library. The city's new budget year begins April 1 and council members approved contracts for mowing, sidewalk concrete and approved the purchase of two new police cars. The city officials also approved financial commitments to the University of Missouri Extension Center, the Grand River Area Family YMCA and the Livingston County Community Development Corporation, and the OATS public transportation service.

Library Director Robin Westphal presented information about the proposed April 8 tax levy bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the library. Westphal asked the council for its support of the proposal, stating that renovating the structure (first built as a federal building about 100 years ago) not only preserves an element of history, but keeps the library in the center of downtown Chillicothe and would be about half the cost of building a new library. The council was unanimous in their support for the ballot measure and 4th Ward Councilwoman Pam Jarding told Westphal that the group should be commended for wanting to renovate the existing business. Others present with Westphal representing the library were Dale Wallace, Inger Young and Barbara French.

The proposed tax levy is $0.14 per $100 valuation to last no longer than 20 years. This translates to about $26 annually for a person owning a home valued at $100,000; or about $13 for a person owning a home valued at $50,000. The issue needs 4/7 (57 percent) approval to pass. The bond question gives broad authorization for the board to direct funds toward the payment of renovating, repairing, improving and equipping the existing Livingston County Library. Infrastructure improvements include new plumbing, upgrades to the electrical system and HVAC units to heat and cool the whole building. Also included in the proposed renovations are measures to improve the functionality of the building including restoring restroom facilities on the second and third floor, improving the teen area and increasing the availability of independent study area.

The Livingston County Library is supported by a current property tax levy of 26.73 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A small amount of funding comes from the State of Missouri. Donations from the Friends of the Library and individuals also assist in the funding of the library. In 2006, an architectural firm completed a feasibility study which showed that renovations could be made on the current library building. During the review of the library's structural issues, ATA Architects found that the building is sound and worth saving and that is was valued at $2 million.

Mayor Chuck Haney presided over Monday night's meeting with the full council in attendance. In other business, the council:

• Approved the bid submitted by Chillicothe Ford Lincoln Mercury for two 2008 Ford Crown Victoria police package vehicles for the police department for a total cost of $47,464.
• Approved a contract with Schneiter's Lawn and Snow Service, of Chillicothe, at a rate of $40 per hour, the same as last year's contract. The contract involves providing mowing services for the city of Chillicothe as directed by the code enforcement officer on an "as-needed" basis. The Schneiter bid was the only bid submitted.
• Approved the bid submitted by Missouri Mobile Concrete, Inc., to supply concrete material for the city sidewalk improvement program. This was the lowest of two bids submitted.
• Approved a contract with the University of Missouri Extension Service to provide $4,000 for services provided to the city. Kevin Hansen, program director with the University Extension, made the request of the council members.
• Approved a contract with the Grand River Area Family YMCA to provide $12,000 for services provided to the city. YMCA memberships are provided at no cost for full-time city employees and the YMCA also provides programs for city residents.
• Approved a contract with the Livingston County Community Development Corporation in the amount of $5,000 for services provided to the city. LCCDC requested $25,000 for funding. City Administrator Dean Brookshier said that in addition to the $5,000, the city provides a seasonal street employee to water downtown flower pots Monday through Friday (an in-kind value of approximately $6,400). Council members approved the $5,000 amount for the upcoming year with a 4-1 vote. Fourth Ward Councilwoman Pam Jarding voted against the proposal, stating that she would like to see the city increase the funding for LCCDC.
• Approved a contract to provide $10,000 for public transportation services with OATS, Inc.
• Approved an agreement between the city and Green Hills Regional Planning Commission, based on 40 cents per person residing within the city, as calculated from the 2000 Census counts, which are 8,968. The amount of this contract is $3,587.20.
• Approved the payment of invoices, $104,164.90: and payroll, $111,936.37.