New mayor to lead Rockaway Beach

Family and friends of Rockaway Beach Mayor Jim Harriger joined city officials and other members of the community at a celebration prior to the city’s board of aldermen meeting on Monday evening, April 14, celebrating Harriger’s years of leadership and his last official meeting as mayor. 

Along with refreshments and chatting with friends, Harriger was excited to make a special announcement he had looked forward to being able to share before leaving office: Citizens of Rockaway Beach will see their water/sewer bills go down in May. Bonds secured in 2009 and refinanced in 2014, to upgrade a failing municipal water system, are now paid off in full! Each household’s water and sewer bill will go down by $25.50 per month, saving each customer $306 over each year. 

Harriger emphasized that while it was a privilege to get to make that announcement before retiring as mayor, the credit goes to the aldermen and city staff for their work securing favorable rates and their commitment to an early payoff date. He also thanked them for their considerable behind-the-scenes work preparing for additional upcoming improvements, with no bond issue needed thanks to Taney County sewer tax funding. 

“The best part of my time spent as mayor has been the privilege of serving the citizens,” Harriger said. He has enjoyed the sense of community and encourages people to come to meetings, learn how and why decisions are made, and find ways to volunteer. As for his future plans, he and his wife, Mary, plan to spend lots more time with family. 

After Harriger officially called the meeting to order, Pastor Jonathan McGuire of Bridge of Faith Church gave the invocation and as the first order of business, newly elected Mayor Charyl E. Soyland was sworn into office. Citing the good reports on necessary projects, Soyland stated, “I’m grateful to have a good running start,” although she also joked that she would keep her predecessor on speed dial for advice. 

Before taking over for the business portion of the meeting, Soyland also encouraged citizens to get involved, especially in Rockaway Main Street which will be coordinating 4th of July events as well as the Saturday Main Street Market, with more events in the planning stages. Stay up to date at https://www.rockawaybeach-mo.org or on Facebook.