By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Elected officials in Truesdale will be receiving a bump in pay. Aldermen, at last Wednesday’s meeting, voted 4-0 to adopt an ordinance increasing the monthly pay by $50 for all board members and the mayor. The new salary will be $1,050 for the mayor and $300 for aldermen. “The thinking was it would be adequate compensation,” Mayor Murray Bruer said. “I feel it’s fair compensation.” The pay raise for the mayor goes into effect April 2015. To earn the full salary, the mayor must work a minimum of 20 hours a week and is required to be involved in all organizations in which the city participates in or is a member, such as Boonslick Regional Planning Commission and the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. The mayor also is required to attend all board of aldermen meetings and any other special meetings. “The board agreed being involved in so many organizations gives the city a voice and recognition,” Bruer said. “It shows Truesdale is here and is taking care of its constituents.” If the mayor does not fulfill the requirements set in the ordinance, the monthly salary will be reduced to $500. The new salary for all four aldermen will go into effect April 2016. The only requirements set for aldermen is to attend all city meetings that are scheduled. Aldermen are currently paid $250 a month. In other news • The city continues to deal with tall grass on a number of vacant properties, many of which are owned by mortgage lenders and banks located out of state. Officials said they are taking steps to contact the property owners in hopes they take steps to have the properties mowed throughout the summer. They are concerned about mosquitoes and rodents becoming an issue. City Clerk Mary Lou Rainwater said the police department has sent out warning letters and citations for owners who have failed to mow. A last resort would have the city mowing the property and placing a lien on it. “We’re trying to avoid that if at all possible,” Rainwater said. • The city will be switching to direct deposit for employee paychecks. The move went into effect July 1. The change coincides also with a change in accounting software. The city will start using QuickBooks instead of Peach Tree. • The police department continues to work on implementing the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System, also referred to as MULES. The department has recently purchased new computers and equipment for the move. • The board heard from Warren County Fair Board President Paul Owenby about the annual parade, which was held Sunday.
Truesdale elected officials to receive raise
