Owensville’s Board of Aldermen passed three bills Monday evening with a real estate transfer and project contract awarded unanimously and the contract for fair security receiving three “yes” votes and one “no” vote.

The first ordinance discussed was number 1503 which authorizes a three-way cost share agreement to provide fair security and law enforcement at the 2026 Gasconade County Fair between the city of Owensville, Gasconade County and the Gasconade County Fair Association.

The city agrees to provide commissioned law enforcement officers to be present on and near the fairgrounds to ensure public safety during the event with all officers equipped for typical duties. The officers will be considered employees of the city under the direction of Owensville Police Chief Scott Griffith.

Bill number 2026-05 was introduced by Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Kramme, a second reading requested by Ward 2 Aldermen Denise Bohl and a third by Board President and Ward 1 Alderman Dr. Cathy Lahmeyer.

Ward 1 Alderman Dan Breeden voted “no.” In a recent conversation with The Republican, Breeden shared that he was not comfortable spending taxpayer dollars without having more visibility into the financial records of the Gasconade County Fair Board. “My responsibility as an Alderman is to make sure taxpayer money isn’t blindly spent,” he said. “The Fair Board says they are an open book — I would like to see that book before blindly spending taxpayer’s money.”

The second ordinance, number 1504, authorizes the city to formally enter into the official contract with Reinhold Electric, Inc., for the First Street Lighting Project covered in full by a $500,000 no-match-required Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) secured by City Administrator Randy Blaske and team. According to Blaske, the new lighting fixtures and infrastructure will run from Highway 28 to Marvin Avenue.

A first reading of the bill was requested by Breeden, a second by Lahmeyer, a third by Kramme and passed with all in favor.

The final ordinance, number 1505, authorizes the city to complete a real estate sale with M. Grellner Properties LLC for $4,000. The approximately .67-acre lot is expected to be developed for a construction-type business. Blaske shared with the board that the sale is expected to bring new jobs to the area. The land was originally slated to be sold to Gasconade County for other purposes, but a new agreement is being negotiated to allow for the aforementioned sale. The final bill was introduced by Bohl, a second reading requested by Lahmeyer, a third by Kramme and passed with all in favor.