City of Ash Grove gets best audit report from Decker and Pace

Sewer bond to be on ballot; Barham House closed
 
Auditor Blake Pace, of Decker and Pace LLC was complimentary during his annual review of the books of the city of Ash Grove at the city’s board of aldermen meeting Oct. 21. Pace gave the highest designation possible with an audit, a “clean” or “unmodified opinion.”
Pace stated that the city’s cash reserves—a year’s worth—far exceeds the minimum expected for such an entity, which is three to six months.
He added that Ash Grove City Clerk Melissa Mau does exceptional work overseeing the process.
“Melissa does a great job and makes our job super easy,” Pace said.

Sewer rate hike on the February 2026 ballot    
During the proceedings, the board—minus Alderman Casey Benson—voted 3-0 for a special bond election on the Feb. 3, 2026 ballot, as had been discussed in previous meetings. The verbiage will propose to issue and sell combined water and sewer system revenue bonds. The $1,750,000 in  funds would be used to improve, extend and equip the existing sewer system facilities.  

In other business…
The board voted 3-0 to:
- Amended the city’s Sunshine Law to state that “The City Clerk shall appoint a designee during times of absence from work.”
- Add a stop sign at the intersection of Prairie Lane and Piper Road. Although the original ordinance called for the sign the be in the southwest corner of the intersection, the exact location is now to be determined.
- Allow Police Chief John Davis to sell an aging 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe from the department.

Barham House closed for repairs, upgrades
It was also announced that the Barham House at Ash Grove City Park is closed due to “necessary upgrades and repairs” and unavailable for renting. As an alternative, the city is offering the Killingsworth Hall for rent at the rate of $100 without a deposit.