BLAND — New members of the Bland Board of Aldermen were sworn in during the April 13 meeting where officials also reviewed a major street project, rising costs and several ordinance discussions.

Aldermen Shari Morgan was re-elected to the board, while Matthew Dittman secured the alderman-at-large seat. Rex Ridenhour was also sworn in after receiving the highest number of write-in votes.

Mayor Merrilee Spurgeon welcomed the new board members with some simple advice.

“We like to hear all sides of everything… then we talk about it, and we try to make good decisions,” Spurgeon said.

A planned street improvement project would run from Rustic Garden past the post office and City Hall, with a new entrance off Highway 28. The work will include drainage improvements and curb replacement to address standing water issues.

Costs, however, are rising.

“Asphalt is up 40 to 60 percent,” Public Works Director Rodney Turner said, noting the project may be delayed.

The city has up to two years to use grant funding, and officials said they may wait in hopes that prices stabilize.

Water infrastructure was also a concern. The city’s 1935 water tower has developed leaks and continues to deteriorate. Estimates to remove it now range from about $100,000 to $140,000, up significantly from earlier figures according to Turner.

Officials are exploring grant opportunities and tax credit programs to help cover the cost. Meanwhile, lagoon treatment is costing the city between $700 and $800 per week due to the cost of the chemicals.

Planning is underway for the July Fourth celebration, which will include fireworks, live music and food. Three bands are being sought to perform during the festivities, scheduled June 27 at Bland Park. The event will again support the “Shop with a Hero” program, which raised more than $1,700 last year to help local children during Christmas. Officials said that $3,000 is the goal for this year.

The park board is expected to cover food costs, allowing more proceeds to go toward the fundraiser. A grant application through the Missouri Arts Council could reimburse up to $4,500 in expenses, according to Morgan.

Police Chief Charles Holtz reported progress toward applying for a Blue Shield grant, which could provide up to $50,000 for equipment such as body cameras and dash cameras. The city has completed the first step by passing a resolution supporting efforts to combat violent crime.

In March, the city recorded 103 traffic stops, 37 calls for service and five arrests, according to the law enforcement report read by Spurgeon.

The board approved financial reports and highlighted a $7,540 refund obtained from the state after identifying overpaid sales taxes dating back to 2024, an error that was caught by City Clerk Karen Dittman and Treasurer Tesa Koch.

Spurgeon praised their initiative.

“I’m going to say this because I don’t know when else to say it,” Spurgeon said. “These girls need a raise. They are amazing people.”

Several ordinance topics were introduced but tabled for further review. These included regulating commercial vehicles on city streets, addressing zoning for tiny homes and modular housing, and examining how short-term rentals such as Airbnb properties should be handled.

Board members also discussed the need for improved code enforcement reporting and follow-up, as well as ongoing concerns about stray dogs within the city.

A use tax proposal that failed in a tied vote of 20-20 on April 7 is expected to return to the ballot in November.