City Budgets For Remodeling

By ERIC X. VICCARO

eviccaro@stegenherald.com

Ste. Genevieve Board of Aldermen received an updated agenda last Wednesday, with the police department remodel added.

“I did not re-budget for the proper amount for the police department remodel,” Ste. Genevieve city administrator Happy Welch said in a memorandum sent to the board members. 

“So, I will need approval to spend $149,694.42 to Donze Construction [of Ste. Genevieve] for pay request No. 2,” Welch continued.

Keep in mind, this is money the city didn’t spend during Fiscal Year 2021, which is when the project was originally funded.

Welch noted only $50,000 was budgeted for FY 2022, “so there will be an additional request at some point for the extra amount over our budget.” 

The administrator continued, explaining there will be a budget amendment for the project – most likely in either March or April – to reflect a higher reserve fund for the unused expenditures from the previous year.

After the first reading, Ward 1 Alderwoman Susie Johnson made a motion to expedite for a second reading. Aldermen eventually authorized the payment after passage of the second reading, 7-0-1, with Ward 1’s Gary Smith in absentia.

During the consent agenda, which was filled with seven resolutions, aldermen approved additional request geared to the Ste. Genevieve Police Department.

The city will be purchasing video camera surveillance equipment with a price tag of $7,991, though Precise Digital, LLC, based in Arizona. The equipment will be used the interrogation room once police department renovations are complete.

Aldermen also approved a resolution for the city to purchase computer equipment for city hall, which will enhance cybersecurity throughout the facility. 

The cost of the upgrade is for $24,000, Welch reported.

What’s more during the consent agenda, the city approved as resolution authorizing Welch to execute an agreement with Spectrum Enterprise.