A law enforcement sales tax that passed on Nov. 4 was officially implemented by ordinance on Nov. 17 by the Steelville City Council. Police Chief Mike Sherman said the forever tax is expected to generate between $250,000 and $300,000 annually.

The funds will be used to hire a full-time police officer and eventually relocate the police station to a more central location. Collection of the tax may begin in April 2026, according to a Missouri Department of Revenue spokesperson.

“One of the first things I would like to get accomplished is the hiring of another full-time officer, giving us the ability to have a day officer, a mid-shift officer, and a night officer, making the job safer for the employees who are working and providing a better service to the citizens of town,” Sherman said. “Another issue I would like to start working on is getting the police department moved back to the middle of town.

“Although Steelville is a small town, this will be beneficial to those who are calling in with an emergency, where every second may count. This project will take some time, as we will need to save money in order to get that achieved. Another thing I want to get accomplished is ‘your speed’ signs posted in several locations in town. Having them near the school, parks and high traffic areas will help with educating people about their speed in those areas.” 

Additionally, Sherman said he plans to keep the public informed as to how the funds are spent by giving an annual update at a city council meeting. 

In other business, a city audit has been delayed until Regina Slovensky, the new chief financial officer, has time to put the municipality's financial documents in order. Slovensky said a target date for the audit is likely sometime in the new year. 

The reposting of noise ordinance signs is under consideration after some residents and business owners expressed concerns about the clatter in town. 

Next month, a representative from gWorks, the software the city uses for accounting and accounts billing, will visit city offices to discuss other areas where the software may be used.