VIENNA — The aldermen reached a consensus during the May 4 Vienna Board of Aldermen meeting to allocate $150,000 in the city budget to upgrade the park facilities.

When City Clerk Tracy Shiver presented the financial report and tentative budget to the board, Mayor Tim Schell suggested spending more money to upgrade the parks for the children. The budget will be finalized in June.

“I think it would be great to put some new stuff out there,” Shiver said.

However, she added that equipment is expensive and that a small playground would cost $100,000, but because $150,000 was not budgeted for the upgraded concession stands and baseball fields this year, she could use that money for the park. Shiver will look into receiving more money through matching grants.

Shiver also shared that the class-action lawsuit regarding polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is nearing a settlement, and the city expects to receive money by the end of the first quarter in 2027. The city posted a warning April 10, 2025, encouraging residents to avoid drinking the water because it had high levels of PFAS, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines as chemicals that break down very slowly over time.

Jim Sandbothe, public works supervisor, is resigning Sept. 7, but the aldermen considered giving him a stipend and wanted him to stay because of his experience.

“Definitely need to do something to try to entice him to stay. We need that certification and so forth, and Jim’s working knowledge of it all,” Alderman Kenneth Dixon said.

Shiver did not initially give Sandbothe’s name and position, citing that pay rates should be closed records. However, Missouri Revised State Statute 610.021 (13) says that names, positions, salaries and tenures are public records.

Health insurance rates are also increasing for city employees. Shiver said that it will be $951.70 per employee. But by switching to a different plan, she was able to limit the increase while keeping the same network and coverage.

Toward the end of the meeting, Shiver reported that she had turned in the paperwork for the 2023-24 audit and that Schell had signed some of the necessary documents.

Dixon also took the oath of office as an incumbent. After Charles Davis resigned Dec. 30, Schell appointed Dixon for the rest of the term. Because Dixon ran unopposed position during the April 7 election, his name was not on the ballot.