City Clerk Natasha Baruth swears in newly-elected Mayor JR Chaney during the Rock Port Board of Aldermen’s April meeting.

Aldermen Christopher Roup and Kimberly Brake are sworn into their positions as South Ward and North Ward aldermen, respectively.

The old Rock Port Market building’s disrepair is on the list of things the city is looking to resolve in the near future.

by Jesse Murphy

The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, April 15, starting with swearing in of newly elected Mayor Richard “JR” Chaney, North Ward Alderman Kimberly Brake and South Ward Alderman Christopher Roup. Former Mayor Amy Thomas presided before Chaney started his first meeting as mayor and stayed for the meeting.

The board discussed accounts payable, including $65,725 in tax revenue reported for April. Alderman Michael Graves said that the revenue from the dispensary has possibly peaked and told the board that the expected revenue moving forward should stay roughly around that same amount. Chaney mentioned that the state of Nebraska is considering bans on synthetic marijuana, potentially driving more business to town.

Superintendent Dennis Sherlock reported that crews have been consistently having to work on Independence Avenue due to increasingly heavy traffic. Chaney brought up a tax that had previously been proposed but never put up for vote. It only applied to businesses at the intersection of I-29 and Highway 136, and all businesses have to agree. Monies raised would be used only to maintain roads and lighting around that area.

Sherlock reported that the new streetlight project is coming along and that most of the remaining materials have arrived and are ready to be installed.

The board discussed various opportunities for available grants, namely for updates to the pool like a new bathhouse and public spaces like a community building or a gym to generate income for the city. The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments has expressed that if certain qualifications are met, such as the space being used as an emergency shelter, even more funding could be available.

The board also mentioned concerns about current grants following changes at the federal level. They stated that the current grants the city receives will still be paid, there have only been delays elsewhere.

As for delinquent taxes, the board informed the mayor that they haven’t discussed how to approach collections. Thomas said that when the county collects their taxes, they also have to collect city taxes as well, so many people pay at that time.

City Clerk Natasha Baruth gave her report, including board liaisons to other boards and vacancies after terms have expired or not retained. There are now three vacancies on the Park Board and two on the Tourism Board, Alderman Michael Graves was appointed as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Aldermen passed an ordinance pending city attorney approval that would amend a previous ordinance stating that Park Board members must reside within the city limits.

The Park Board requested the change to include anyone living within the Rock Port School District, along with possibly business owners who reside elsewhere but have a vested interest in the community.

The board unanimously passed the ordinance after deciding that it would be best to start opening membership with the ability to back out if an attorney does not approve.

Graves said that holding off is “basically kicking the can,” and that it could likely fall through the cracks if not addressed soon.

Discussion followed regarding the city attorney’s office, which has been vacant since the previous contract expired in December 2024. The board can make suggestions and reach out to potential attorneys to work on matters for the city moving forward.

The board approved an amendment to the 2025 budget, which allowed them to spend more than they expect to receive because they have funds leftover from previous years for both the Park and Tourism Boards.

The Chief of Police continues to be on leave, while Atchison County is helping to provide assistance within city limits. The board discussed the possibility of trying to recruit officers versus entering into a contract with the county for personnel to handle day-to-day responsibilities of officers. The issue remains open.

The next meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. on May 21.