Much to the surprise of many Wright City officials, sales tax revenue jumped significantly in June and continues to run well ahead of budget projections.

Despite a continued slowdown in the economy, the city’s sales tax revenue was nearly $12,000 more than what was collected at this time last year.

The city’s receipts for the 1-percent general fund sales tax were $35,000 for June. Last year, the amount of revenue collected was $23,162.

Karen Girondo, city treasurer/economic development director, said it was difficult to determine the reason for the increase. However, she speculated it could be the result of a growing population and residents staying closer to home to shop.

Nearing the halfway point of the year, Girondo said the sales tax revenue is running about 5 to 6 percent over budget projections.

Here is the breakdown of sales tax receipts collected in the general fund for the first five months in 2010: January, $25,315; February, $17,004; March, $27,794; April, $24,828; and May, $15,601.

The city’s other two sales taxes also saw increases. The half-cent transportation tax brought in $15,000 in June, compared to $10,000 last year. The quarter-cent parks department tax collected $7,600, while $6,400 was received last June.

City Running Into High Ammonia Troubles at WWTP

The city is working with its engineers and the contractors in charge of operating the wastewater treatment plant to figure out a solution to lowering ammonia levels at the facility. According to city officials, the ammonia level has been hitting 10 milligrams per liter.

The contract calls for the ammonia levels to be between 1 and 2 milligrams. 

During the June 10 meeting, aldermen voted to have newly-hired city attorney Josh Payton work with HDR/Archer, the city’s engineer, to send a letter to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources explaining what action is being taken in regard to the matter. The city recently received a letter from DNR notifying it was not in compliance with the operating permit.

Huey Construction has a contract with the city, though the ammonia level issue is the responsibility of subcontractor EDI. Efforts to lower the ammonia have been ongoing since at least March.

In Other Action

• The city is going to spend $350 to close in a rear door opening at the police department with concrete blocks. City staff will be responsible for clearing the area with Dave Balkenbush Masonry to complete the project. They received one other bid on the project from Travis Masonry for $950.

• Police Chief Henry Matthews informed the board he was going to be reapplying for a grant that will pay for wages for one full-time officer for a three-year period. If the grant is received, the city would be obligated to keep the officer for a fourth year with the city picking up the expense.

The department was unsuccessful in its attempt for the grant last year.

• The board voted 3-0 to have a stolen cemetery stone placed back on its gravesite after it was found on a gravel road by a sheriff’s deputy. Placement of the stone is the responsibility of the family, but if none are located, the city would pay the $75 charge