Cottleville officials say city budget is strong; new businesses moving in

Despite rumors that the city of Cottleville is struggling with its general fund after losing American Furniture, Mayor Don Yarber says all is well in the city.

“The city is not struggling,” Yarber said. “We’ve had several new businesses open and things are looking good.”

Yarber said the popular “Old Town Bakery” of Florissant is opening a branch along Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, Rib Cityopened within the last six months in the former Pasta House building, Securus Senior Planning is building in Old Town Cottleville and the Tinder Box cigar store has opened and is doing well. A bocce ball court is expected to open at the location in spring.

“Old Town Bakery is a well-established business that residents are sure to welcome,” Yarber said. Other stores in the city are expanding, like Cottleville Wine Seller that recently expanded its outdoor heated patio. Keller Williams Realty has hired more agents.

“We miss the American store, but we’re very conservative with our income, so we’re fine,” Yarber said. “There is always room for cuts, if necessary, but we haven’t found that at this time.”

Yarber said the city is also pursuing a replacement for American Furniture.

“We are absolutely not planning to cut any city services, but if need be, we review our budget often and can make changes. However, at this point we’re fine,” Yarber said. “Because of past practices, we’re solid. We pay everything on time and we’re in good shape. We look at our budget two or three times a year, and always take a conservative approach. That’s why we are healthy today.”

Sales taxes received from American Furniture amounted to about 10 percent of the city budget, said City Administrator Scott Lewis.

Lewis said the city had planned for future losses with the establishment of a $500,000 reserve fund.

“That’s what the reserve funds are for,” Lewis said. “The city has been trying to put things in place for some time, and the reserve fund was established about two years ago.”

Lewis said like other cities throughout the nation, they had to restrict pay raises for employees. This is the third year city employees have not seen a pay increase, Lewis said.

Last year, employees were asked to contribute more to their insurance coverage.

“We are working to deal with those problems and that’s what the reserve funds are for,” Lewis said.

When American Furniture and Television shuttered in the city, more than a financial loss was felt. American Furniture has helped sponsor fundraisers for the Cottleville Firefighters’ Community Outreach, a program that raises funds to help those in the community who have been devastated by fire or have other serious needs.

Fire Chief Rob Wylie said the store also helped with barrage of other events, including sponsorship of the annual Cottleville St. Patrick’s Day celebration.