Two candidates for separate aldermen seats in Warrenton were disqualified from the April election, including the incumbent, for being behind on municipal taxes and fees. City clerk Melody Rugh confirmed both Ward 3 Alderman Jim Dreyer and Ward 1 challenger John Cornell's names will not appear on the April 6 ballot, but refused to discuss specifics. In interviews with The Record, Dreyer said he failed to pay his personal property taxes by the Dec. 31 deadline, while Cornell said a January water bill was not paid on time. Pursuant to Missouri state statute, no candidate seeking municipal office should be certified or appear on the ballot if in arrears for any unpaid city taxes or municipal user fees on the last day to file a declaration of candidacy for the office. Dreyer's error leaves the Ward 3 race uncontested, giving challenger Don Broering the likely win. If a write-in candidate doesn't materialize, Broering would be sworn in at the April 20 meeting. Dreyer was seeking his second term after being elected in 2008. At that time, he easily defeated Jeff Parrett who had moved out of state due to a job relocation prior to the election. "I just lost track of time," Dreyer said. "I forgot all about it. It completely slipped my mind. I should have taken care of it when I got it." Dreyer said he is interested in running again in the future. "I like being an alderman," he said. "It's aggravating to do this for two years and then this happens. I will miss it." Cornell's departure in the Ward 1 race leaves incumbent Jerry Cullom and Dan Dieckmann vying for the seat. Cornell said it was "embarrassing" to think his first venture into seeking a public office came to a close before it could get started. He admitted there was miscommunication with his wife that resulted in his $51 water bill not being paid by the Jan. 15 deadline. He said the bill was paid Jan. 20 upon learning about being ruled ineligible. He also acknowledged he had been encouraged by a few residents to continue as a write-in candidate, but he didn't want to circumvent the election process by taking that route. "It has to make me question that if I let this slip past me, maybe I am too busy to serve now," Cornell said. "I still think I have something to offer and have good ideas. Obviously this isn't the right time."