Marthasville aldermen approved a $1.4 million spending plan for the city government for the next 12 months. The 2020-2021 budget includes more than $600,000 in major city improvements, some of which have been in the works for several years.

The city is starting its fiscal year with $1.8 million in its bank accounts in July, and anticipates $832,000 in revenue over the next year, according to a budget summary. If every planned project for the year is carried out, Marthasville would spend down that reserve by $626,000.

The city budget was approved by aldermen with a 4-0 vote June 24.

Amongst the funding allocated in the city budget are about $200,000 for city park improvements, $200,000 for street work, and over $200,000 for water and sewer system projects.

In the city’s parks, Mayor David Lange said the city has had $100,000 allocated for a splash pad at the park on Main Street for several years, but hasn’t initiated the project.

“It would be something little kids could have. ... It gives the kids something to do in the summer time,” Lange commented.

Another $50,000 is budgeted for other park improvements and for developing Wessel Park into a small RV park next to the Katy Trail, Lange said. It would serve as a campground for visitors to the area that could generate revenue and tourism for the city. Lange said the city is planning to start small, with space for 10 to 12 RVs.

In Rusche Park, Marthasville has budgeted $50,000 to build a retention pond and “clean up” the woods behind the Grabs House museum, Lange said.

For street projects, Lange said there are several locations around the city slated for pavement overlays. $200,000 is budgeted for those improvements and other street work as necessary.

The largest ongoing project for the city is planned expansion and upgrades to Marthasville’s public water supply. The city is planning to drill a new well and build a ground reservoir northeast of town that will supply residential water service to the city.

Officials have set aside $200,000 for the start of the water project for several years. Another $30,000 is budgeted this year for engineering and surveying. The long-term cost of the project is estimated at $1.4 million Lange said.

The mayor said he wished the water project had moved faster, but that issues with land and easement acquisition are currently being resolved.

“I was hoping we could go on to bids this fall and construction in the spring, but that’s all contingent on this land,” Lange commented.

The water system improvements are intended to provide better service to Marthasville residents and replace the city’s old water towers. Once the city is on the new system, Lange said it might be possible that chlorine treatment will no longer be necessary to eliminate contaminants. At the least, the new well and reservoir systems will mix the chlorine better so it’s less noticeable, Lange said.

No staff raises

Due to economic uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, no city employees received a pay increase in the new budget, Lange said. He added that if economic conditions are strong later this year, the board of aldermen could decide to revisit that decision.