Sikeston FY27 Budget Approved Amid Revenue Decline

The Sikeston City Council held a public hearing May 4 on its proposed FY27 budget, which faces declining sales tax, use tax, marijuana tax, interest income, and franchise fee revenues for the second consecutive year. Rising personnel costs, health insurance premiums, liability insurance, and vehicle expenses offset conservative budgeting practices that have allowed the city to absorb the downturn.

The council will vote on the final budget June 8. The spending plan includes Fire Station 2 completion by year-end, funding for the Ingram Interchange pending MoDOT approval, and continuation of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. The city will begin covering ShotSpotter's annual fees after grants expire. All city employees will receive a 3% wage increase.

Street and drainage projects will receive $4.2 million, with $1 million designated for street maintenance. The council approved a $124,397 change order for drainage improvements along the Linn Street ditch, adding riprap for erosion control. It also authorized a $140,000 agreement with Waters Engineering for design work on north Sikeston drainage improvements, which may include a stormwater detention basin.

The council approved contract renewals for City Prosecuting Attorney Tabatha Graham at $32,000 annually plus $19,000 for prosecutorial assistance, and Municipal Judge Frank Marshall at $32,400 per year. Marshall has served as municipal judge since 1993.

The council also approved a $20,675 purchase of RapidWarn Weather Alerting to automate the city's outdoor warning siren network, allowing unattended activation during emergencies. Annual maintenance costs approximately $2,000.