City money shortfalls may force budget cuts at Black River Coliseum pool, PBPD

A newly seated Poplar Bluff City Council will face tough decisions in July as they consider shuttering the fitness center and indoor pool to shore up budget shortfalls.

Other options to overcome a $283,000 deficit could include suspending funding for Margaret Harwell Art Museum and moving police officers to shorter eight-hour shifts from the current 12-hour shift rotation, said city manager Mark Massingham.

Massingham spoke Monday during a city manager’s report at the end of the regular council session. A special meeting was held prior to the regular session to certify the results of the June 2 election, and for council members to select the mayor and mayor pro tem for the next year.

Ward 5 representative Robert Smith was unanimously selected by the council to serve a second term as mayor. At-large representative Steve Davis was also selected unanimously to continue as mayor pro tem. Both will serve one-year terms in those positions.

They and other council members, including newcomer and at-large representative Chris Taylor, will review possible budget cuts during the July 6 meeting.

Massingham warned the council and residents in December, during the 2020 budget process, that if a use tax did not pass the city may need to take strong measures to cut expenses. Closing the Black River Coliseum pool and fitness center, stopping funding to the MHAM and changes to police officers schedules were mentioned at that time.

“We were hoping the use tax would pass,” said Massingham, noting it came within approximately 50 votes of passing. “What I would like to do is weigh some different options with possibly these and come back to the first meeting in July... and get some feedback from the council.”

Massingham said city sales tax has performed better than expected in March and April, with 10% and approximately 13% increases respectively, compared to a year ago. The city still expects to see losses due to COVID-19 in taxes collected on gas, hotel rooms and Municipal Court fines, he said.

A special meeting was held prior to the regular meeting to certify the votes of the June 2 election, swear in new and returning council members and elect the mayor and mayor pro tem.

Smith, Davis and Taylor were elected to the council. Taylor fills the at large seat vacated by incumbent Ron Black, who did not seek re-election.

Davis and Taylor won against seven other candidates, with 501 and 485 votes respectively. Smith was unopposed. Each will serve a three-year term on the council as representatives.

Before stepping down, Black was recognized by Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley for his years of service. Black has served multiple terms on the council.

“In recognition and in appreciations for your many years of public service and professionalism extended to our department, Ron Black, thank you for your leadership and dedication to the citizens of Poplar Bluff on the behalf of the Poplar Bluff Police Department,” Whiteley said.

Black, Smith and Davis thanked residents for allowing them the privilege to serve on the council.

“I do love the city of Poplar Bluff,” said Black. “There have been many positive things that have happened over the years… I’m glad to be a part of those things… It’s certainly been a privilege to serve with a couple of wonderful city managers, some wonderful department heads and great employees.

“They are the ones, those folks, that really make this city go.”

Black also congratulated the three council members selected in the June 2 election.

“I feel like there have been a lot of positive things accomplished,” Davis said of his first three years on the council. “We need to work together as a team on the city council to keep things moving forward.”

Smith thanked supporters for the trust that has been placed in him.

“If you can’t have fun doing your job, you probably shouldn’t be doing it,” Smith said at the end of the evening’s meetings. “I enjoy doing this.”