A possible sales tax increase was discussed at the City of LaHarpe council meeting on Wednesday. The proposed increase of 1 percent would be used for street projects and other improvements. Chuck Apt, city attorney, said they would need to vote on the sales tax and settle on an amount at the meeting in August in order to have sufficient time to get it on the November ballot. If approved and voted in November, the tax increase would be effective April 1, 2015 and last until 2025.
The other major discussion centered on woes caused by the construction on U.S. 54. The construction company, by law, is supposed to leave right of ways in at least the same condition they were before the project began, but city officials and the public thinks this has not been done. There are many reports of drainage issues, debris left in ditches and yards making it difficult to mow and road shoulders left uncompacted, which leaves cars in danger of becoming stuck or even flipping over, especially in rainy conditions. Police Chief Jason Prock said he almost got his police cruiser stuck, recently. City Attorney Apt said they would be compiling a list of complaints to present to the construction company and KDOT.
In other news, the council approved raises for City Superintendent Carol Buzbee and City Clerk Michelle Altis. Buzbee’s wages will increase by $1 per hour, and Altis’ wages by 50 cents per hour.
