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Osage Beach Aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and growing population demands are pushing the system to its limits, potentially resulting in environmental hazards and increasing repair costs.
Osage Beach Aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and growing population demands are pushing the system to its limits, potentially resulting in environmental hazards and increasing repair costs.

Sewer department officials held a recent meeting to discuss some of the most pressing concerns within the department, underscoring the urgency of addressing these problems. These issues have the potential to impact public health and city infrastructure in various ways, making it vital to explore potential solutions and allocate the necessary resources.
One major problem highlighted during the meeting is the aging infrastructure of the sewer system. The system currently consists of nearly 1300 pump stations, many of which are over two decades old. As the stations age, they require more frequent repairs, resulting in an increasing strain on the budget. This mounting maintenance cost was evident from data presented during the meeting. For instance, in 2016, between August 1st and October 27th, the department dealt with 33 work orders generated through citizen call-ins and 40 work orders through their internal station alert system. Fast forward to 2023, and the situation has significantly worsened, with 77 work orders from citizen call-ins and 177 generated through station alerts during the same time frame. This data clearly demonstrates the rising maintenance burden and associated costs.
Preventative maintenance has also taken a significant hit, with only 297 preventive maintenance work orders executed since July 2022. This falls significantly short of the recommended maintenance frequency of once a year for each station, considering there are approximately 1300 stations in the system. Neglecting preventative maintenance could lead to more frequent breakdowns and system failures.
Further exacerbating the situation is the deteriorating condition of the sewer lines. With over 265 miles of ductile iron pipes identified in the last 20 years, shockingly, zero miles have been inspected and cleaned. A significant portion of gravity sewer lines, around 80 miles, have received maintenance coverage, while 96 miles of pipes remain of an unknown type. Industry standards suggest that sewer lines should be inspected and cleaned every 5 to 7 years. The department has fallen far behind this recommendation, leaving a large portion of the system unchecked and vulnerable to potential issues.
Personnel and equipment shortages are another key issue the sewer department faces. The department should have 11 employees, but due to staffing challenges, they have only averaged about 4.65 employees over the past three years. This shortage significantly hampers their ability to maintain and repair the extensive sewer system effectively. Additionally, equipment woes compound their problems, such as a fleet shortage and aging vehicles that result in costly repairs.

Addressing these pressing concerns requires both operating capital and investments in equipment and infrastructure. The department has identified the need to replace pumps and panels, improve cameras, purchase new service trucks, and focus on preventative maintenance to get the system back on track.
In the capital section, replacing aging electrical panels is a top priority. Many of the panels are 20 to 30 years old and have undergone numerous repairs and rewiring over the years. While they may still function, their reliability is diminishing, and they pose potential safety risks.
Additionally, the city’s sewer system is in desperate need of rehabilitating lift stations. This includes a range of projects with stations like KK37, D71, 173, 291, and 295 scheduled for improvement. These projects are considered shovel-ready, and the department aims to tackle three to five stations per year to maintain and modernize the entire system gradually.
Furthermore, odor control is a recurring issue. Odor problems at key locations such as Sands are being addressed with proposed odor control methods, aiming to reduce the nuisances that neighboring communities experience.
The sewer department is standing at a crossroads, facing critical infrastructure issues that, if left unattended, could pose severe environmental and health risks. It is clear that both financial investments and an overhaul of the department’s operational approach are essential to safeguard the city’s sewer system’s longevity and functionality. As the city continues to grow, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to prevent future crises and mounting expenses associated with repairs and maintenance.

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

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.

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.

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