Bethany Council Approves Application For New Sidewalk Phase

Bethany’s Board of Aldermen approved a budget amendment for 2022 during their meeting Wednesday night. The city was under the projected $14 million by about $2.5 million for 2022 but needed to approve a budget ordinance since some individual funds were slightly over budget for the airport, solid waste, and general fund appropriations. Several factors contributed to the lower budget figure. The 2022 Street Project was moved back to 2023. The city did not pay as much for fuel, and the city did not have to make an electrical purchase on the open market. City Administrator Jake Taylor also stated that the budget situation will likely mean that it will not be necessary to raise natural gas prices to customers as had been discussed previously with the council.

Bethany’s council approved the application which will be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the Sidewalk Plan for the Israel property. The project will provide an ADA compliant 10- to 12-foot path for walkers and bikers in both directions which would connect the Memorial Park trail with both Babe Adams and Linch Fields. The cost for the project is just under $250,000. The project would require a 20 percent match on the part of the city.

Administrator Taylor stated that the search will continue for the Economic Development Position for the city. He also stated that the city is taking applications for a position in Bethany’s Street Department.

Downtown Bethany Improvement, Inc. and the Bethany Public Library will both partner on a plan to replace the clock at the Bethany City Library. The project will cost $3,800. The cost will be split between Downtown Bethany Improvement, Inc. and the Bethany City Library.

The city is also looking at a different bridge option for the bridge to be used for a crossing on the Israel Property. The bridge in the original plan will provide some challenges for its repair. The new option for the bridge will also be offered the the county.