The operators of the museum located in the office building owned by the City of Kinmundy will no longer be able to stay rent free.
The board made the decision Thursday night when reviewing the finances of the building that is in the red. Board members realize the decision could lead the museum to close down. Right now, the museum is open only a few days a year for special events. There was some discussion if it would be possible for the museum to move to a different location.
The museum will be asked to pay $300 a month rent beginning July 1st and pay utilities beginning right away.
The food pantry and two businesses in the building are already paying rent and utilities and will see no change in their rent.
Mayor Angie Diss told the board the building ran $12,760 a month in the red last year and is already $4,832 in the red so far this year with no maintenance work completed.
The council voted to give a $1 credit each month to those who received their water bill via e-mail instead of through the US Postal Service. It was noted the credit would be cheaper than the US mail and more reliable since many now are not receiving their bills for a few months or not at all. With the e-mail option, Kinmundy will resume charging late fees on water bills. It was noted residents know when they are due and can call city hall for their bill total. Those who want to sign up for e-mailed water bills may also call city hall to sign up.
The council learned they have received $8,000 from the Kinmundy Methodist Church to beautify the downtown area with flower plantings and other projects.
The board agreed to allow David Gibbons to live in a camper on his property at 109 East 5th Street for up to six months while making repairs who his home that was involved in a January fire.
