The Friday Newsflash - May 22, 2026

Memorial Day - May 25, 2026
City Offices will be closed on Monday 25 in observance of Memorial Day. The trash & recycling schedule is not affected by the holiday. 

The Big Takeaways - May 19, 2026
The Board of Aldermen met in Work Session on Tuesday evening to review a number of financial items. Mayor Pro-Tem Marv Atkins provided an update that Ward 2 Alderman Chelsea Dana submitted her resignation effective May 18, 2026. The process for filling the vacancy will be outlined at the next meeting.

Kevin Smith, CPA with CliftonLarsenAllen (CLA) presented the FY2025 Financial Audit. Finance Director Rick Welch presented the FY2026 6-month budget update. Finance Analyst Britain Burnette presented the FY2027 General Fund departmental budgets for first review to set the stage for the annual budget retreat. 

You can find the work session materials and watch the video here. 

The Board of Aldermen took the following actions during the regular meeting:

  • Approved the May 5, 2026, Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes
  • Approved the May 5, 2026, Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes 
  • Approved the Financial Report for April 2026
  • Approved a Resolution approving a non-residential leak adjustment request for 169 Storage in the amount of $201.36. 
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance annexing certain adjacent territory into the City of Smithville, Missouri located at 18410 H & H Road
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance changing the zoning classifications or districts of certain lands located in the City of Smithville, Missouri and approving a preliminary plat for Collins Ridge subdivision.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing site plan approval for the Smithville Lake Cabins project at 1503 East Main Street. 
The City Administrator's Report can be found here.

The meeting materials and video can be viewed here. 

Dates To Remember

Progress As Promised - Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST)
The Board of Aldermen appointed three residents, each bringing valuable expertise in law enforcement, finance, and community representation to review Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) expenditures to ensure accountability.  On Wednesday, the PSST Review Committee met to review the FY2026 6-month budget and progress.

We would like to take a moment to thank the voters for approving the PSST last April. Since collections began in October 2025, the City has made significant progress toward the goals outlined in the educational materials shared with the community.

The City identified the following priorities for use of these funds: increasing compensation and benefits to support recruitment and retention, adding staff along with necessary equipment, and implementing a full-time animal control program.

To date, the City has partnered with the Fraternal Order of Police to increase the starting salary for Police Officers by 25% and for Police Sergeants by 17.7%. In addition, beginning in July 2026, the LAGERS retirement benefit will increase to the highest multiplier of 2.00%. The Board has also approved the addition of a Support Services Captain, a role that will enhance organizational structure and staff accountability.

Development of the Animal Control Program is ongoing. Hiring for the Animal Control position will occur following the onboarding of the new Captain to ensure proper program oversight and implementation.

The City is encouraged by the positive momentum within the Police Department throughout FY2026 and looks forward to building on this progress in the years ahead.

Community Engagement Updates
  • Learn more about the City's Strategic Plan and take the Community Survey HERE!
  • SPR Sponsorship Opportunities are here! For more information visit www.smithvillemo.org/sponsor
  • Sign up for our Parks & Rec monthly newsletter HERE
Senior Center Updates
  • A big thanks to the Smithville Kiwanis Club for hosting a hotdog lunch and sponsoring bingo for us on May 19! We had a great time and enjoyed learning about all the good work the Kiwanis do.
  • Our older Americans month activities conclude Friday with health screenings by NKC health and bingo with Security Bank!
  • The SC will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day and May 28 for a City event
  • May Activity Calendar

Police Department Updates
We’d like to congratulate Beth Stevens on a tremendous professional accomplishment. Beth serves as the department’s Prosecutor’s Assistant and Police Administrative Assistant, and she plays a critical role in keeping things running smoothly both at the police department and in court for our prosecutor.

This past week, Beth attended the Missouri Association of Court Administrators Spring Conference, where she completed the final steps to become recognized as a Certified Prosecutor’s Clerk through the Missouri Association of Court Clerks, a first for the Smithville Police Department.

Beth brought with her years of experience as a court clerk, and she has quickly applied that knowledge and professionalism to her role here at SPD. Her dedication to learning and continuing professional development has been outstanding.

To say we’re proud would be an understatement. Congratulations, Beth, on this well-earned achievement!

Project Updates
Current projects can be found on our website at Smithville, MO. 

Maintenance Updates

  • Parks
    • Installed Activity Center parking signs
    • Installed gate at Diamond Crest playground
    • Replaced lights, trim and other maintenance at police dept
    • Replaced plexiglass in the information sign at Heritage Park
    • Deep cleaned all restrooms
    • Prepped splash pad for opening
  • Streets
    • Pulled forms and backfilled 0.5 tons of dirt on Commercial St. sidewalks at 646 and 652 S Commercial St.
    • Poured 1 yard of concrete curb at 652 S Commercial St.
    • Poured sidewalks at:
      • 646 S Commercial St. - 0.75 yards of concrete
      • 652 S Commercial St. - 0.50 yards of concrete
    • Conducted city-wide storm damage inspections.
    • Picked up fender from Armor Equipment.
    • Dropped off Truck 103 at Victory Chevrolet for oil change service.
    • Installed seed and seed mesh mat at 201 W Summit St.
    • Placed 7 yards of topsoil at 201 W Summit St.
    • Installed 1.7 tons of rip rap and 2 yards of topsoil at Marcus Rd culvert.
    • Picked up sign order from Work Zone.
    • Replaced signage at Mulberry and Corbyn Ln.
    • Mowed Second Creek Rd. (north and south sides).
    • Mowed Riverbank area.
    • Mowed Housing Authority property.
    Utilities
    • Total Drinking Water Production 7,691,000 gal
    • Completed all testing required at the WTP
    • Conducted weekly chemical level checks at the WTP for ordering
    • Backwashed filters 1,2,3,4 and 5 at the WTP
    • Continued working on project high service pump room rehabilitation at the WTP. Sanding pipes to prep for new paint
    • Finish hooking up CL17 & turbidity meter on Transfer Well at the WTP
    • Ran 3 new ethernet cables to high service pumps at the WTP
    • Worked on project ground cover WTP
    • Collected 5 bac-t samples and delivered
    • Distribution checklist WTP
    • Continue installing SCADA wiring in the chemical building
    • Completed 22 work orders and 54 locates 
    • Completed all testing required at WWTP
    • Treated 5,559,000 gallons of wastewater
    • Completed weekly checks of all booster station and towers in the distribution system
    • Work with Menke to repair water main at Marcus and Bainbridge
    • Worked Mid American pump to pull aerator on digester #2
    • Fixed water main break on 169 Hwy where third party hit it boring
    • Repaired a water service leak at 19624 197th Terr
    • Finished moving service for 601 S Commercial
    • Fix Hills of Shannon L.S. and Wild Flower L.S
    • Completed all blower maintenance at the WWTP
    • Treated 5,559,000 gallons
    • Collected 4 E-coli samples and delivered to Kansas City Labs