Local Government Updates: County Eyes Bridge Grants, City Joins Health Consortium
Published 5:00 am Tuesday, June 2, 2026
The Dent County Commission and the City of Salem Board of Aldermen both met last week to handle local infrastructure, grant opportunities, and regular city and county maintenance.
During the Dent County Commission meeting on Thursday, representatives Danny Brown and Rob Pulliam visited to discuss grant opportunities for low-water crossings. Pulliam, representing a non-profit organization called The Nature Conservancy, encouraged commissioners to submit a list of high-priority crossings that have historically caused issues. He explained that the organization can assist with funding to replace low-water crossings and culvert bridges that block wildlife movement, pose hazards during floods, and have high maintenance costs. To qualify, the crossings must span moving water and open miles of river. The commission plans to send a priority list to the organization.
In county road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green noted that crews will be grading county roads 5090 and 5220, installing a pipe on 4110, and prepping chipseal roads for resurfacing. Green asked residents for patience regarding County Road 5220, which is experiencing heavy detour traffic due to the Route B bridge closure. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported hauling rock and grading on roads 2120, 2150, 2155, 4260, and 4270, along with maintenance near Anutt. Both commissioners also recently visited MoDOT to request maintenance on county road approaches. In other county news, Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that preparation is underway for the August 4th Primary Election. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. next Monday.
The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting on Tuesday, where the board approved joining a consortium with the Dent County Health Center and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Together, they will apply for the Delta Health Care Service Program Grant for Workforce Development, which funds training for those entering the healthcare field. The health center will administer the grant, while the city will serve in an advisory role to offer feedback, assist in choosing scholarship applicants, and provide workforce statistics.
In financial and administrative business, the board approved an auction seller agreement with J.J. Kane Associates, Inc. and J.J. Kane Exchange, LLC. to replace Purple Wave for the sale of city property, hoping for better returns. Aldermen also renewed the city’s employee health insurance through United Healthcare. Financial Director Stacey Houston reported that sales tax revenues through April for Fiscal Year 2026 totaled $4,074,748, a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year. Overall fund balances sat at $17,099,822, with both revenues and expenses tracking lower than anticipated for the year due to grant timing.
The board also handled several utility and infrastructure matters. Aldermen approved the final $3,409 reimbursement request from MoDOT for the T-Hangars project and authorized up to $9,775 for airport aviation fuel. The purchase of 15 transformers for $14,475 was approved for the electric department. Aldermen passed the second reading of two ordinances amending city codes for backflow prevention devices, and heard a first reading of a proposed water rate increase for Fiscal Year 2027. If passed, the base water rate would rise from $8.00 to $10.00, and the usage rate would increase from $7.50 to $9.28 per 1,000 gallons.
Public Works Director Steve Paine informed the board that Phase 2A of the wastewater treatment plant project will involve new rotors and concrete work over the next 30 days. While this will improve oxidation, it will temporarily cause a stronger scent at the facility. He also noted that the electric department is awaiting a shipment of street lights and recently poured a new pad and restored the Salem Heritage sign. Mayor Greg Parker reported the collection of 171 tons of waste during the annual spring clean-up, and Alderwoman Catherine Dent noted that the Community Involvement Committee has prepared the Highway 32 and 72 fountain area for planting. The board next meets on June 9th.
