Hayti council approves audit

The Hayti City Council met in regular session at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 and, among the agenda items discussed, was the recent audit received by the city. Although the audit did not entirely meet the council’s expectations, the Board of Aldermen voted to approve it.

“If you all will notice, our tax revenue is down $219,000 — 219,440,” Mayor Lisa Green stated. “The separation of duties, we get written up for that every year.”

Regarding the separation of duties, Hayti City Clerk Karla Laws noted that the city’s future move into the planned new City Hall would not necessarily correct the problem. City attorney Lawrence Dorroh stated that many cities are cited for the separation of duties infractions. “It’s very common,” he said.

“I really would like for us to start looking at the budget every couple of months – the board going over it,” Mayor Green further stated. “We’re going to have to start staying within our budget.”

In other business, a motion was made and approved to install a new stop sign at 6th Street and Cleveland. It was noted that the sign would now be a part of a three-way stop.

In another agenda item, Mayor Green said the city should consider rezoning, particularly near the city park where a single-wide mobile home has been placed, “And there’s nothing we can do about it (mobile home),” she further commented, “because it’s out of the city limits.”

Green inquired of Dorroh if the city could annex the property. He replied by saying, “You can annex property, sure.” It was determined that due to possible legal issues, the matter would be taken up in closed session. “As far as annexation goes, you can do the annexation,” Dorroh added. “You can seek voluntary first. If they fail to give voluntary annexation, then you can follow court procedures [and] election procedures.”

The next agenda item brought the council to a brief discussion of insurance. “The health insurance came last week,” the mayor said. “It was actually better than expected. It did not go up any at all, so we lucked out this year.”

Hayti Fire Chief Glen Whitener was in attendance and presented several ideas regarding a new storm warning siren. He told council that a new siren needed to be placed near the interstate overpass, giving local residents who work in the area and other visitors to the city a better chance of being warned of an approaching storm. Mayor Green agreed with Whitener’s assessment, but noted a new siren is not in the current budget. “I think we need to try and see if we can find some grant money to do it,” Green suggested.

Fire Chief Whitener informed councilpersons that Bob and Peggy Turnage of Hayti have underwritten the funds needed to purchase grain elevator rescue equipment. Mayor Green and the aldermen expressed gratitude for the Turnage’s generosity. Whitener also noted that ticket sales for the annual rib supper and auction (scheduled for this Saturday night, Dec. 2) were good. “We’re still accepting items for auction,” he added.

Board members also agreed to forgo the second December council meeting due to the Christmas holiday. After all business was addressed, the councilmen voted to enter into closed session to discuss legal and personnel issues.