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If it wasn’t for the city folks, the Lake of the Ozarks wouldn’t exist.

Union Electric Light and Power Company was an electric utility company that operated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded in 1893 in St. Louis, Missouri, and initially provided electric lighting and power to customers in the city and surrounding areas

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Union Electric Light and Power Company was an electric utility company that operated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded in 1893 in St. Louis, Missouri, and initially provided electric lighting and power to customers in the city and surrounding areas. In the 1920s, the company built the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River, which created the Lake of the Ozarks and provided hydroelectric power to the region. The dam and lake were major engineering projects at the time and helped to spur economic development in the area.

The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri was created by the construction of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River in the early 1920s. The dam was built by the Union Electric Light and Power Company, which later became Ameren Missouri, as a hydroelectric power generation facility. The lake was created by impounding the water behind the dam, which caused the water level to rise and flood the valley downstream. The construction of the dam and the creation of the lake were major engineering feats at the time and required the relocation of several communities and the rerouting of several roads and railroads. The Lake of the Ozarks is now a popular recreational destination, with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline and numerous marinas, campgrounds, and resorts.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Union Electric expanded its operations to include natural gas distribution and the production of coke and other by-products. The company also acquired several smaller electric and gas utilities in Missouri and Illinois. In the 1950s and 1960s, Union Electric continued to grow through acquisitions and mergers, and it became one of the largest electric and gas utilities in the Midwest. In 1997, Union Electric merged with Central Illinois Public Service Company to form Ameren Corporation, which is now one of the largest energy companies in the United States.

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Prescribed burns at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton Missouri Lake of the Ozarks

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CAMDENTON, MO – On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the National Park Service, carried out a series of prescribed burns at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The controlled fires, initiated early this morning, aimed to reduce wildfire risks, promote native plant growth, and maintain the park’s ecological balance.

The timing of the burns aligns with early spring conditions, which park ecologists say are ideal for minimizing impact on wildlife while maximizing ecological benefits.

Today’s burns mark the first major fire management activity at Ha Ha Tonka in 2025, with additional burns potentially scheduled later this year depending on weather and resource availability. Park officials emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to preserving Missouri’s natural heritage for future generations.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Green being thrown out with in minutes.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Al Green Green being thrown out with in minutes. Trump calls out Democrats saying no matter what he says or does they will not stand. The camera flashed shots of the Democrat party with signs that said Musk Steals. Trump continued the speech strong by asking them to enjoy the republicans with the wins of the county.

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Osage Beach Operating Budget shows Significant Increases in Personnel and Capital Spending.

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The City of Osage Beach Board of Aldermen officially adopted the FY2025 Operating Budget on December 19, 2024, outlining a comprehensive financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, spanning 69 pages, projects total expenditures across all funds at approximately $38 million, reflecting a strategic focus on personnel growth, infrastructure improvements, and operational stability.

Personnel Expenditures See Major Boost

The FY2025 budget allocates $10,941,704 for personnel expenditures across all funds, marking a 12.4% increase from the FY2024 budget of $9,736,098 and a 21.2% jump from the FY2024 projected year-end total of $9,031,206. Key highlights include:

  • Salaries: Rising to $6,978,788, a 12.2% increase from FY2024’s budget and an 18.8% increase from the projected year-end, reflecting new hires and wage adjustments.
  • Per Meeting Expense: Surging 55.8% to $48,000, driven by increased meeting frequency or compensation rates.
  • Overtime and Holiday Pay: Overtime is budgeted at $417,400 (up 40.1%), while holiday pay rises to $212,402 (up 22.9%), indicating heightened staffing demands.
  • Retirement 401 Contributions: A significant 28.2% increase to $773,225, underscoring the city’s commitment to employee benefits.

The personnel schedule details a total of 136 authorized positions, including 117 full-time and 19 part-time roles, with notable growth in departments like City Clerk (from 1.5 to 3 full-time equivalents) and Engineering (from 2 to 4 FTEs) compared to FY2024.

Capital Investments Prioritize Infrastructure

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Capital expenditures for FY2025 are set at $16,990,032, a slight 5.1% decrease from FY2024’s ambitious $17,907,575 budget, though a dramatic 197.3% increase over the FY2024 projected year-end of $5,714,260. Major investments include:

  • Transportation Fund: $6,274,726, a 17.3% increase, funding projects like the Salt Barn Roof replacement, Highway 42 Sidewalk construction, and Osage Beach Road improvements.
  • Lee C. Fine Airport Fund: $4,986,982, up slightly from FY2024, supporting ongoing airport enhancements.
  • 911 Center: A standout $447,247 allocation (384.8% increase), including an AIS P25 Upgrade and dispatch relocation, addressing critical communication needs.

Conversely, departments like Parks & Recreation ($333,800, down 54.7%) and Information Technology ($25,492, down 77.3%) see reduced capital spending, reflecting a shift in priorities.

Operations & Maintenance Stabilizes

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expenditures total $10,182,427, a modest 1.4% decrease from FY2024’s $10,324,068 budget, though up 10.6% from the projected year-end of $9,209,616. Notable changes include:

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  • Human Resources: A striking 228.9% increase to $365,117, likely tied to expanded staffing and training initiatives.
  • Building Inspection: Up 130.7% to $79,510, supporting heightened regulatory activity.
  • Engineering: A 52.2% cut to $261,100, aligning with completed projects from FY2024.

Employee Pay Plan Adjustments

The budget introduces an updated Employee Pay Plan effective January 1, 2025, with pay ranges spanning Level 6 ($32,604-$47,276) to Level 16 ($124,293-$198,868). Positions like City Administrator and City Attorney top the scale, while roles such as Airport Technician and Records Clerk anchor the lower end. The plan reflects periodic reviews mandated by City Code Section 125.050, accommodating new positions and level adjustments.

Looking Ahead

The FY2025 budget underscores Osage Beach’s focus on workforce expansion, infrastructure resilience, and essential services, balancing growth with fiscal prudence. With a total personnel authorization of 123.19 FTEs (up from 117.19 in FY2024), and significant capital commitments, the city aims to enhance public safety, transportation, and community amenities. Residents can expect increased activity in key departments, though some operational budgets tighten to offset these investments.

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For more details, the full FY2025 Operating Budget is available through the City of Osage Beach administrative offices.

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