Rodgers Theatre will receive a state grant of nearly $337,000 to replace a roof on the historic building.
The grant was accepted Tuesday by the Poplar Bluff City Council, which applied for the funds from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Rodgers Theatre Inc. will need to raise $45,400 in matching funds for the project, officials said.
RTI will work with the state to determine a project administrator and likely speak with engineers as the next step, said Wally Duncan, president of RTI.
"It's still a long ways to go. This is only the beginning of the project," Duncan told the council during a workshop session. "We won't see fruition for a long time, I'm sure, but we see this as not only revitalizing the Rodgers Theatre, but maybe a first step in revitalizing Downtown Poplar Bluff. That's something we all want to see done."
The grant required sponsorship by a government entity and Duncan thanked the city for doing this.
"We're very blessed to have this and the good citizens that have come forward to hold it together," said Mayor Susan McVey.
Duncan also thanked elected officials Rep. Todd Richardson, Rep. Steve Cookson and Sen. Doug Libla for their support; Felicity Ray of Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission for writing the grant; and former state senator Bill Foster for lobbying for the project in Jefferson City.
"We're extremely appreciative for all that you did for us," Duncan said, also recognizing the RTI board members.
Renovations continue on the theatre tower, which was removed in May for the work. Letters are still available for sponsorship, Duncan said.
Fundraising in recent months will support that effort, as well as the roof project and other needs, he said.
Additional fundraising will be needed, according to Duncan.
"This is a great thing, but it's certainly not the end," he said.
In other business, the council heard from a resident regarding sewer concerns, and approved a property tax levy and a list of antiquated equipment for sale.
Sewer problems
Darlene Kelly of the 2600 block of Woodstone blames the city for sewer problems she is having at three apartment buildings, at 2002 Bradley St., 102 Angelia St., and 104 Angelia St.
Kelly says the repaving of Bradley Street in 2017 caused gravel and asphalt debris to become clogged in her sewer lines. She provided a letter from Fisk Plumbing of Poplar Bluff, which described lines filled with gravel approximately 100 feet from the Municipal Utilities sewer main. Fisk provided estimates of approximately $20,000 and $30,000 for repairs.
Municipal Utilities has checked the city's lines and did not find any problems, said city manager Mark Massingham.
"I'm not sure what the problem is, but they told me, it's not in any of our lines," he said.
AT&T also did work in that area, he added.
"I'm just not sure how gravel and asphalt would get in the lines," Kelly said.
The city will review the situation, McVey said.
Tax rate
Property tax rates will remain the same as the previous year, city clerk Pam Kearbey said in a public hearing held prior to the regular meeting. The rate for 2018 will be $0.5127 per $100 of assessed valuation for the general fund and $0.0967 for the policemen and firemen's pension plan fund, according to an ordinance approved by the council.
Assessed valuations for the city saw small growth from the previous year, Kearbey said, from approximately $248.3 million to $253.4 million.
This is expected to generate approximately $30,000 in additional revenue for the city.
Equipment
The city will sell 25 vehicles, dump trucks, flatbed trailers and other items through an auction of antiquated equipment this year from Municipal Utilities, the street department/motor pool, and the police department.
The list includes seven vehicles from the police department with more than 100,000 miles, model years ranging from 2001-2011.
The utility department equipment ranges from a 1973 diesel tractor to a 28-foot flatbed trailer that needs a floor. Mileage on the vehicles range from 70,000 to 245,000.
The street department and motor pool will sell pickup trucks, a bucket truck and cars that have mileage of between 56,000 and 208,000.
Other action items
The city also voted to grant a conditional use permit to install a manufactured home at 417 S. D St., and grant an easement to Ozark Border Electric Cooperative for underground electric service at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Golf Course.