Chula board refunds late fee, adjusts sewer bills and approves municipal memberships and small purchases

At its Jan. 11 meeting the Chula Board of Aldermen approved multiple customer billing adjustments and a refund, and approved two small administrative purchases and a membership.

The board voted 3-0 to refund a $25 late fee after learning a customer, Ed Labaw, was out of town when notices were delivered. Alderman Kyle Gramenz moved the refund; Alderman Randy Hamilton seconded. The board also approved an $186.50 sewer-usage adjustment for Beth Klein for an outdoor leak and approved a payment plan for Klein if needed (motions by Kyle Gramenz and Randy Hamilton, each carried 3-0). Alderman Benny Simpson moved to adjust Bill Reihner's sewer charge by $11.50; the motion carried 3-0.

Clerk Ann Hamilton reported that ACH electronic payments are now available and that the board prefers ACH rather than using Venmo for utility payments. On the retention of returned water payment card stubs, the board voted 3-0 to shred older stubs while retaining the last six months of records.

On administrative business the board approved joining the Missouri Municipal League for $475 on a motion by Randy Hamilton and approved purchasing a used shredder for $50 on a motion by Kyle Gramenz; both motions passed 3-0. The board tabled discussion of building permits and noted that Southern Bank has purchased Citizen's Bank and Trust.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.; the board set its next regular meeting for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.