The Holden Image

The city council approved the budget for the fiscal year 2004-05 on Monday night during a special meeting.

With the exception of employees within their six-month probation period, most city employees will receive a five percent raise. Much debate was held about categorizing certain employees as salaried rather than hourly.
“From a federal standpoint,” pointed out Councilman Karl Timmerman, “any hours worked over 40 hours must get paid overtime. We have legal exposure if we’re not paying additional wages or giving comp time.”

Based on this recommendation, the majority of city employees will remain on an hourly pay scale. The police department will be staffed with seven officers in addition to a police chief. Funds have also been earmarked to repair the front of the police department building. During periods of rain, the glass leaks water into the building.

In order to reduce maintenance expenses for city vehicles, Eric Gustin will be hired to work 40 hours per week. Gustin’s responsibilities will include mechanics, mowing and weed eating, animal control, and assistance with code enforcement.

The park board requested $13,500 from the city, bringing their total budget to $26,000. Most of the funds will go towards maintenance and repairs. Other improvements include playground equipment and replacing the current shelter.

“I fully support that request,” stated Councilman Brent Brown. “This benefits everybody in the city.”

Total revenues for the 2004-05 budget are projected to be $1,002,845. With total expenses at $1,000,702, the city should experience a surplus of $2,143.
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Holden’s new “Farmers Market” will open this Saturday, at 7 a.m. at the Holden City Park.

Sponsored by the Holden Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, the weekly market will be coordinated by Jo Ann Nolan, owner of Suncoast Networks.

Eight vendors have committed for the first week with more anticipated in coming weeks. Vendors, Nolan says, will be selling a variety of products.

For additional information or to reserve a booth space, contact Nolan at (816) 597-3353 or e-mail her at info@holdenmarket.com.
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The Holden Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a rodeo! on June 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holden City Park. The rodeo is produced by C.R. McKellips Rodeo Company from Raymore, MO.

Several events will be featured each evening including bareback, saddle bronc, bull-riding, calf-roping, steer-wrestling, barrel-racing and team-roping. Anyone wishing to enter should call C.R. McKellips on Monday, June 21 at 816-331-1792.

Additional activities will be held as well and include Chuck-Wagon Races which is an exciting event that the crowds love. Watch carefully, sponsors advise, there have been some high-speed crashes!

Joining in the entertainment on Friday night will be Footlights, a dance troupe led by Lori Kaiser. On Saturday night , there will be a performance by the Dazzling Dancers led by Jamie Patterson and on Saturday, there will be a special appearance by Jillian from the radio station Q-104. She is the host of “The Morning Ride” and will be available for autographs as well as bringing prizes from Q-104 for give-aways and drawings.

Mutton-busters will also provide fun and entertainment at this year’s annual event. This event will be held both Friday and Saturday and competition is for ages seven and under with the cost of registration at $15.00. Sheep will be provided and entry can be made at the rodeo. Those wishing to participate must be there by 7 p.m to sign-up.

Advance tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages four-12 and children three and under are free. Tickets at the gate will be $1 higher. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Bank of Holden, Farmers and Commercial Bank, Lloyd’s Thriftway, Country Creations, Holden Package Store and Fastop of Holden and Kingsville.
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