Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 77

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 77
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.010 Third class cities, incorporation and powers of.

77.010. Third class cities, incorporation and powers of. — Any city of the third class in this state may become a body corporate under the provisions of this chapter, in the manner provided by law, under the name of "The city of ______", and by that name shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, defend and be defended in all courts of law and equity, and in all actions whatever; may receive and hold property, both real and personal, within such city, and may purchase, receive and hold real estate within or without such city for the burial of the dead; and may purchase, hold, lease, sell or otherwise dispose of any property, real or personal, it now owns or may hereafter acquire; may receive bequests, gifts and donations of all kinds of property; and may have and hold one common seal, and may break, change or alter the same at pleasure, and all courts of this state shall take judicial notice thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 6865) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6719; 1919 § 8206; 1909 § 9143 CROSS REFERENCE: Cities of the third classification, population, 72.030

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.020 City limits may be altered, how.

77.020. City limits may be altered, how. — The mayor and council of such city, with the consent of a majority of the legal voters of such city voting at an election thereof, shall have power to extend the limits of the city over territory adjacent thereto, and to diminish the limits of the city by excluding territory therefrom, and shall, in every case, have power, with the consent of the legal voters as aforesaid, to extend or diminish the city limits in such manner as in their judgment and discretion may redound to the benefit of the city; provided, however, that no election or voter consent shall be required for voluntary annexations or transfers of jurisdiction under chapter 71 . (RSMo 1939 § 6866, A. 1949 H.B. 2027, A.L. 2007 S.B. 22) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6720; 1919 § 8207; 1909 § 9144 CROSS REFERENCES: Extension of limits of special charter city to include another city, procedure, 81.080 Procedure for annexation of area to which objection is made, 71.015

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.030 Division of city into wards - council members, terms.

77.030. Division of city into wards — council members, terms. — 1. Unless it elects to be governed by subsection 2 of this section, the council shall by ordinance divide the city into not less than four wards, and two councilmen shall be elected from each of such wards by the qualified voters thereof at the first election for councilmen in cities hereafter adopting the provisions of this chapter; the one receiving the highest number of votes in each ward shall hold his office for two years, and the one receiving the next highest number of votes shall hold his office for one year; but thereafter each ward shall elect annually one councilman, who shall hold his office for two years. 2. In lieu of electing councilmen as provided in subsection 1 of this section, the council may elect to establish wards and elect councilmen as provided in this subsection. If the council so elects, it shall, by ordinance, divide the city into not less than four wards, and one councilman shall be elected from each of such wards by the qualified voters thereof at the first election for councilmen held in the city after it adopts the provisions of this subsection. At the first election held under this subsection the councilmen elected from the odd-numbered wards shall be elected for a term of one year and the councilmen elected from the even-numbered wards shall be elected for a term of two years. At each annual election held thereafter, successors for councilmen whose terms expire in such year shall be elected for a term of two years. 3. (1) Council members may serve four-year terms if the two-year terms provided under subsection 1 or 2 of this section have been extended to four years by approval of a majority of the voters voting on the proposal. (2) The ballot of submission shall be in substantially the following form: (3) If a majority of the voters voting approve the proposal authorized in this subsection, the members of council who would serve two years under subsections 1 and 2 of this section shall be elected to four-year terms beginning with any election occurring after approval of the ballot question. (RSMo 1939 § 6881, A.L. 1985 H.B. 817, A.L. 2013 H.B. 163, A.L. 2013 S.B. 99) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6735; 1919 § 8222; 1909 § 9159

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.040 Election of officers - option to appoint certain officers - terms.

77.040. Election of officers — option to appoint certain officers — terms. — A general election for the elective officers of each city of the third class shall be held after the organization of the city under the provisions of this chapter and on municipal election days every two years thereafter, the city council may by ordinance provide for the nomination of officers by primary election; and provided, that all certificates of nomination and petitions therefor shall be filed with the city clerk and not with any other officer. Any city organizing under the provisions of this chapter may elect a mayor and may elect or provide for the appointment of such other officers as may be necessary to carry this chapter into effect, who shall hold office until their successors are elected or appointed and qualified; provided, that the assessor shall hold office until the first day of September and until his successor is elected or appointed and qualified, and the term of office of the assessor in such cities shall commence on the first day of September after the election at which he is elected or at such time as the city shall set the beginning of his appointive term, if appointed. (RSMo 1939 § 6867, A.L. 1945 p. 1302, A.L. 1963 p. 129, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1985 H.B. 817) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6721; 1919 § 8208; 1909 § 9145 Effective 4-10-85

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.042 City administrator, employment authorized.

77.042. City administrator, employment authorized. — The governing body of any city of the third class, except those organized under the provisions of sections 78.430 to 78.640 , and any fourth class city may by ordinance provide for the employment by the governing body with the approval of the mayor of a city administrator who shall be the chief administrative assistant to the mayor and who shall have general superintending control of the administration and management of the government business, officers and employees of the city, subject to the direction and supervision of the mayor. (L. 1969 H.B. 284 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.044 Qualifications, compensation of administrator.

77.044. Qualifications, compensation of administrator. — 1. The governing body shall provide, as minimum qualifications, that the city administrator be at least twenty-one years of age, and that he devote his full time to the performance of the duties of his office. The governing body may also require that the city administrator meet other personal qualifications. 2. The city administrator shall receive a salary as set by ordinance, and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. (L. 1969 H.B. 284 § 2, A.L. 1987 S.B. 393)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.046 Other officers, appointment, discharge, regulations concerning.

77.046. Other officers, appointment, discharge, regulations concerning. — 1. Upon the adoption of a city administrator form of government, the governing body of the city may provide that all other officers and employees of the city, except elected officers, shall be appointed and discharged by the city administrator, but the governing body may make reasonable rules and regulations governing the same. 2. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the city to remove or discharge any chief, as that term is defined in section 106.273 . (L. 1969 H.B. 284 § 3, A.L. 2013 H.B. 307) (1980) Statute with clause authorizing board of aldermen to make rules and regulations governing city administrator's power to appoint and discharge employees strongly suggests that legislature contemplated variations in extent of dismissal power delegated to city administrator. State ex rel. Gorris v. Mussman (A.), 612 S.W.2d 357.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.048 Other powers of mayor and council retained.

77.048. Other powers of mayor and council retained. — Except as provided in sections 77.042 to 77.048 , the mayor and city council of any third class city and the mayor and board of aldermen of any fourth class city which adopts the city administrator form of government shall retain all the powers given to it by the laws applying to the city before the city administrator form of government was adopted, and all laws governing the city under its prior form of government and not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 77.042 to 77.048 shall apply to and govern the city after it adopts this form of government. All bylaws, ordinances, and resolutions lawfully passed and in force at the time the city administrator form of government is adopted shall remain in force until repealed or altered by the council or board of aldermen. (L. 1969 H.B. 284 § 4)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.050 Election may be ordered, how, when.

77.050. Election may be ordered, how, when. — If at any time, by reason of nonacceptance, resignation, refusal to qualify, or for any other cause, there shall be no officers of the city to order an election, any associate circuit judge or commissioner of the county commission of the county is empowered to order an election for city officers. (RSMo 1939 § 6868, A. 1949 H.B. 2027, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6722; 1919 § 8209; 1909 § 9146

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.060 Councilman, qualifications.

77.060. Councilman, qualifications. — No person shall be councilman unless he is at least twenty-one years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant of the city for one year next preceding his election, and a resident of the ward from which he is elected six months next preceding his election. Whenever there is a tie in the election of a councilman, the matter shall be determined by the council. (RSMo 1939 § 6882, A. 1949 H.B. 2027, A.L. 1955 p. 303) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6736; 1919 § 8223; 1909 § 9160

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.070 President pro tem.

77.070. President pro tem. — At the first regular meeting of the city council after the election in each year--which meeting shall occur at the time fixed by ordinance, but shall not be later than the fourth Tuesday in April--the council shall elect one of its members president pro tem, who shall hold his office for the term of one year, and who, in the absence of the mayor, shall preside at the meetings of the council; provided, that in the absence of the mayor and president pro tem the council may select one of its members present to preside at such meetings, who shall be styled "acting president pro tem". (RSMo 1939 § 6883, A.L. 2003 S.B. 136) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6737; 1919 § 8224; 1909 § 9161

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.080 Style of ordinances - procedure to enact.

77.080. Style of ordinances — procedure to enact. — The style of the ordinances of the city shall be: "Be it ordained by the council of the city of ______, as follows:" No ordinance shall be passed except by bill, and no bill shall become an ordinance unless on its final passage a majority of the members elected to the council shall vote therefor, and the ayes and nays shall be entered on the journal. Every proposed ordinance shall be introduced to the council in writing and shall be read by title or in full two times prior to passage, both readings may occur at a single meeting of the council. If the proposed ordinance is read by title only, copies of the proposed ordinance shall be made available for public inspection prior to the time the bill is under consideration by the council. No bill shall become an ordinance until it shall have been signed by the officer presiding at the meeting of the council at which it shall have been passed. When so signed, it shall be delivered to the mayor for his approval and signature, or his veto. (RSMo 1939 § 6946, A.L. 1988 H.B. 1435) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6800; 1919 § 8287; 1909 § 9224

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.090 Proceedings of, how kept.

77.090. Proceedings of, how kept. — The council shall cause to be kept a journal of its proceedings, and the ayes and nays of the members shall be entered on any question at the desire of any two members. The council may prescribe and enforce such rules as may be necessary to secure the attendance of its members and the expeditious transactions of its business. (RSMo 1939 § 6886) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6740; 1919 § 8227; 1909 § 9164

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.100 Powers of council - witnesses, papers.

77.100. Powers of council — witnesses, papers. — The council shall have power to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers relating to any subject under consideration in which the interest of the city is involved, and shall have power to call on the proper officer of the city, or of the county in which such city is located, to execute such process. The officer making such service shall be entitled to receive therefor such fees as are allowed by law for similar service, to be paid by the city. The president of the council, or president pro tem, shall have power to administer oaths to witnesses. (RSMo 1939 § 6885) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6739; 1919 § 8226; 1909 § 9163

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.105 Budget and expenditures, approval by ordinance, motion, or resolution required.

77.105. Budget and expenditures, approval by ordinance, motion, or resolution required. — The budget or any authorization to expend funds shall be approved by an ordinance, motion, or resolution that is approved by a majority of all the members elected to the governing body. (L. 2008 H.B. 1804)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.110 Council to publish semiannual statements.

77.110. Council to publish semiannual statements. — The council shall publish a full and detailed statement of the receipts and expenditures and indebtedness of the city at the end of each fiscal year and six months after the end of each fiscal year in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. Each such statement shall be for the six-month period preceding the date of the statement. (RSMo 1939 § 6884, A.L. 1989 H.B. 308) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6738; 1919 § 8225; 1909 § 9162

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.120 Council may acquire land for and maintain cemetery.

77.120. Council may acquire land for and maintain cemetery. — The city council shall have power to purchase, receive and hold real estate, as herein mentioned, for public cemetery purposes, either within the city or within three miles thereof; provided, that no such cemetery shall exceed more than one hundred and sixty acres in one body. The council shall provide for the survey, platting, grading, fencing, ornamenting and improving of all the cemetery ground and the avenues leading thereto, owned by the city, and may construct walks and protect ornamental trees therein, and provide for paying the expenses therefor. The council may make rules and pass ordinances imposing penalties and fines, not exceeding one hundred dollars, regulating, protecting and governing city cemeteries, the owners of lots therein, visitors thereto, and punishing trespassers therein; and the officers of such city shall have as full jurisdiction and power in the enforcing of such rules and ordinances as though they related to the city itself. (RSMo 1939 § 6972) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6826; 1919 § 8308; 1909 § 9244

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.130 Cemetery lots, how conveyed.

77.130. Cemetery lots, how conveyed. — The cemetery lots shall be conveyed by certificates, signed by the mayor and countersigned by the clerk, under the seal of the city, specifying that the purchaser to whom the same is issued is the owner of the lot or lots described therein by numbers, as laid down on such map or plat, for the purpose of interment, and such certificates shall vest in the purchaser, his or her heirs and assigns, a right in fee simple to such lot for the sole purpose of interment, under the regulations of the council; and such certificates shall be entitled to be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of the proper county without further acknowledgment; and such descriptions of lots shall be deemed and recognized as sufficient description thereof. The council may limit the number of lots to be owned by the same person at the same time, and may prescribe rules for enclosing, adorning and erecting monuments, tombstones and ornaments on cemetery lots, and prohibit any improper adornment thereof; but no religious test shall be made to the ownership of the lots, or burials therein, or for the ornamentation of graves or lots. (RSMo 1939 § 6973) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6827; 1919 § 8309; 1909 § 9245

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.140 May control watercourses, establish water reservoirs, market houses, city ...

77.140. May control watercourses, establish water reservoirs, market houses, city hall and parks. — The council may establish, alter and change the channel of watercourses, and wall them and cover them over, and prevent obstructions thereon, and may establish, make and regulate public wells, cisterns and reservoirs of water, and provide for filling the same. The council may purchase grounds and erect and establish market houses and marketplaces, and regulate and govern the same; and also contract with any person or persons, association or corporation for the erection, maintenance and regulation of market houses and marketplaces, on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the council may prescribe. The council may also provide for the erection, purchase or renting of a city hall, workhouses, houses of correction, prisons, engine houses and any and all other necessary buildings for the city; and may sell, lease, abolish or otherwise dispose of the same, and may enclose, improve, regulate, purchase or sell all public parks or other public grounds belonging to the city, and may purchase and hold grounds for public parks within the city, or within three miles thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 6954) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6808; 1919 § 8295; 1909 § 9232 (1979) The exercise by a municipality of its powers to acquire land for parks outside but within one mile of the city limits is not subject to zoning regulations of any host county or municipality restricting use of land which would result in prohibiting its use for park purposes. City of Kirkwood v. City of Sunset Hills (A.), 589 S.W.2d 31.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.150 Cities may acquire property for dams, flood protection, bathhouses.

77.150. Cities may acquire property for dams, flood protection, bathhouses. — In addition to other powers, the mayor and council of cities of the third class are hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by gift, devise, purchase or condemnation, within such cities or within a mile thereof, such real and personal property as may be necessary or desirable for the purpose of the erection or construction of dams, lake and flood protection systems, bathhouses, therapeutic bathhouses, mineral water vending houses and in connection therewith, auditoriums and lecture rooms and for the laying of pipelines for the distribution of mineral waters and to so acquire, improve and operate mineral springs and wells, and to construct all necessary and appropriate buildings and works therefor, and to do any and all things necessary to maintain and operate said properties so acquired and constructed as a self-liquidating revenue producing public project, and for that purpose to lease or convey the same. (RSMo 1939 § 7045, A.L. 2025 H.B. 199) CROSS REFERENCE: Water mains, special assessments for, certain cities, 88.650 to 88.663

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.160 Payment for property acquired - issuance of bonds.

77.160. Payment for property acquired — issuance of bonds. — The mayor and council of said cities are authorized to accept gifts and grants and to borrow money and execute, issue and negotiate bonds or other securities, for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring said property or the construction of said buildings or works thereon, and to secure same by mortgages or deeds of trust on said properties and the income and revenue derived therefrom; which said mortgage or deeds of trust shall be a first lien on all said property and all revenues or income therefrom and shall be enforceable as provided therein but shall not be a debt of said city or payable out of any revenue not derived from said property. Said bonds issued under the provisions of this section and sections 77.150 , 77.170 and 77.180 shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding six percent per annum, payable annually or semiannually, shall be executed in such manner and be payable serially in annual installments beginning not later than three years and extending not more than forty years from the date thereof, and at such place or places as the mayor and council shall determine. Any income, receipts, collections and profits from any properties on which such a mortgage or deed of trust has been so executed, shall be held and kept in the city treasury as a separate fund, and payments therefrom shall be made only as provided by said mortgage or deed of trust. (RSMo 1939 § 7046) CROSS REFERENCE: Improvements, special tax bills and bonds issued in payment of, 88.497 to 88.647

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.170 Manner of purchasing and condemning lands.

77.170. Manner of purchasing and condemning lands. — The mayor and common council, in proceeding by ordinance to purchase and condemn lands for the purpose stated in section 77.160 , may proceed in the manner provided by law for the establishment of streets, avenues, alleys or marketplaces or public squares, but it shall not be necessary to establish a benefit district or assess benefits, or, unless there are nonresident or unknown defendants, to give notice by publication as therein provided; and on such condemnation and the payment of the appraisement as therein provided, the title of such lands shall vest in such city for the uses and purposes for which taken. (RSMo 1939 § 7047, A. 1949 H.B. 2027)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.180 Election to be held for issuance of bonds.

77.180. Election to be held for issuance of bonds. — Before any such bonds shall be issued the mayor and council shall, by ordinance, provide that said bonds shall be issued, which said ordinance shall fix the maximum amount of said bonds and in a general way the purposes for which said money shall be expended and shall submit the question to issue bonds to the voters of the city. The ballots shall state the maximum amount of bonds proposed to be issued and the fact that such bonds are not to be payable from taxation and will not be a debt of said city and the general purpose for which they are to be issued. If the majority of voters voting on the question assent, the mayor and city council may, by ordinance, cause such bonds of such municipality not exceeding the maximum amount submitted to the voters to be issued for the purpose set out in said ordinance and secure the same as herein provided. (RSMo 1939 § 7048, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.190 May purchase fire-fighting equipment.

77.190. May purchase fire-fighting equipment. — The council may also purchase fire engines, hook and ladder outfits, hose and hose carts, buckets and all other apparatus useful in the extinguishing of fires, and organize fire companies, and prescribe rules of duty for the government thereof, with such penalties for the violation thereof as they may deem proper, not exceeding one hundred dollars, and to make all necessary expenditures for the purchase of such fire apparatus and the payment of such fire companies. (RSMo 1939 § 6950) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6804; 1919 § 8291; 1909 § 9228 CROSS REFERENCE: Information to be filed annually with state fire marshal, 320.271

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.200 Railroads or street railroads - powers of council.

77.200. Railroads or street railroads — powers of council. — The council shall have sole authority, by ordinance, to grant the right to any person or persons, or corporation, to make and construct railroads or street railroads in any street or highway of the city, and to control and regulate the use thereof; provided, that no such railroad or street railroad shall be located on any street or highway in the city, or any portion of such street or highway, until a majority of the residents, owners of land abutting on said street or highway, or such portion thereof, shall first assent thereto in writing; and provided further, that no such railroad or street railroad shall be constructed or operated until all damages to such abutting lands shall have been first ascertained and paid to the owners thereof by the person, persons or corporation constructing said railroad or street railroad, and the city council shall pass suitable ordinances providing the manner and way of ascertaining any damages contemplated by this section. (RSMo 1939 § 6978) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6832; 1919 § 8314; 1909 § 9250

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.210 Thirty-year franchises and extensions may be granted for supplying heat - ...

77.210. Thirty-year franchises and extensions may be granted for supplying heat — voter approval required, procedure. — All cities of the third class may grant to any person or corporation formed under the laws of this state or doing business as a foreign corporation under the laws of this state, the privilege and franchise for a period of thirty years, to use the streets, alleys and other public places of such cities, for the purpose of laying pipes, conduits or other heating apparatus thereon and therein, and connecting same with the heating plant of such person or corporation, to furnish heat to the inhabitants of the city at a reasonable rate to be agreed upon by the person or corporation furnishing the heat and the person using the same. Such privilege and franchise may be renewed for another period or periods not to exceed thirty years per period. The plant to heat the city may be by means of hot water, steam, hot air or electricity, or in any other mode that may be advisable, but the person or corporation, to which the franchise or privilege is granted, shall commence operation under its franchise or right within two years after the granting of such franchise or right, or the same shall be forfeited. Such franchise or privilege may be extended or renewed by the city council of such city for another period or periods of not more than thirty years per period, and the extensions or renewals of such franchise or privilege shall be subject to voter approval of the majority of the voters voting on the question, pursuant to the provisions of section 88.251 . An initial privilege or franchise must be approved by a majority of the voters of the municipality voting on the question. (RSMo 1939 § 6979, A.L. 1987 S.B. 412) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6833; 1919 § 8315; 1909 § 9251

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.220 May change names of streets, how.

77.220. May change names of streets, how. — Whenever it is deemed necessary by the council to change the name of any street or avenue, the council shall, by resolution, declare such proposed change of name necessary to be made, and shall cause such resolution to be published at least one week in some newspaper published in the city; and if, within four weeks after such publication, a majority of the resident property owners along the line of such street or avenue do not file with the city clerk their written protest against such proposed change of name, then the council shall have power by ordinance to change the name of such street or avenue in accordance with the terms of such resolution; and upon the passage and approval of such ordinance, the city clerk shall file with the recorder of deeds of the proper county a certified copy of such ordinance, and such recorder shall enter the same upon the records of such county. (RSMo 1939 § 7013) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6867; 1919 § 8349; 1909 § 9276

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.230 Qualifications of mayor.

77.230. Qualifications of mayor. — No person shall be mayor unless he be at least thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of such city at the time of and for two years next preceding his election. When two or more persons shall have an equal number of votes for the office of mayor, the matter shall be determined by the council. (RSMo 1939 § 6870, A. 1949 H.B. 2027) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6724; 1919 § 8211; 1909 § 9148

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.240 Vacancy in office of mayor, how filled, exceptions - president pro tem, ...

77.240. Vacancy in office of mayor, how filled, exceptions — president pro tem, duties of. — When any vacancy shall happen in the office of mayor, by death, resignation, removal from the city, removal from office, refusal to qualify or otherwise, nominations of a successor may be made by any member of the council and selected with the consent of a majority of the members of the council, except in counties of the first classification with a charter form of government which have a population of at least nine hundred thousand inhabitants. The council may adopt procedures to fill any such vacancy consistent with this section. In the case of a temporary absence of the mayor or disability to perform the duties of his or her office, the president pro tem of the council shall perform the duties of mayor until the mayor shall return or such disability be removed; and during the time the president pro tem of the council shall act as mayor, the president pro tem shall receive the same compensation that the mayor would be entitled to. In counties of the first classification with a charter form of government and which do not contain a city with a population of at least four hundred thousand, in case of vacancy other than a temporary absence or disability, the person exercising the office of mayor shall cause a new election to be held; provided, when a vacancy occurs within six months of a municipal election, no election shall be called to fill such vacancy. (RSMo 1939 § 6880, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1991 S.B. 34, A.L. 1999 S.B. 214) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6734; 1919 § 8221; 1909 § 9158

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.250 Mayor to be president of council - vote.

77.250. Mayor to be president of council — vote. — The mayor shall be president of the council and shall preside over same, but shall not vote except in case of a tie in said council, when he shall cast the deciding vote; but provided, however, that he shall have no such power to vote in cases when he is an interested party. He shall have the superintending control of all the officers and affairs of the city, and shall take care that the ordinances of the city and the state laws relating to such city are complied with. (RSMo 1939 § 6871) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6725; 1919 § 8212; 1909 § 9149

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.260 Powers and duties of mayor and council generally.

77.260. Powers and duties of mayor and council generally. — The mayor and council of each city governed by this chapter shall have the care, management and control of the city and its finances, and shall have power to enact and ordain any and all ordinances not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this state, and such as they shall deem expedient for the good government of the city, the preservation of peace and good order, the benefit of trade and commerce, and the health of the inhabitants thereof, and such other ordinances, rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to carry such powers into effect, and to alter, modify or repeal the same. (RSMo 1939 § 6949) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6803; 1919 § 8290; 1909 § 9227 CROSS REFERENCES: Assessment, special tax bills for sprinkling and cleaning streets, 88.640, 88.811 County roads, adjoining corporate limits, benefits how assessed, 88.647 License taxes, authorized, on what, 94.110 Policemen, appointment and removal, 85.541, 85.551 Street lighting, council may provide, approval of electorate, 88.613 to 88.630 Taxation, 94.010 to 94.180 Water, council may contract for service, 88.633 (1966) City council in third class city is primarily a legislative body elected by people, and wards from which councilmen are elected must be substantially equal in population. Armentrout v. Schooler (Mo.), 409 S.W.2d 138. (1969) Ordinance of a city of the third class which purported to grant to the city administrator the power to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to carry out city ordinances was an unconstitutional delegation of city council's legislative power. Pearson v. City of Washington (Mo.), 439 S.W.2d 756 (1975) This section does not give a third class city the power to regulate real estate brokers. Anderson v. City of Olivette (Mo.), 518 S.W.2d 29.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.270 Mayor to approve ordinances - may veto - proceedings when vetoed.

77.270. Mayor to approve ordinances — may veto — proceedings when vetoed. — Every bill presented to the mayor and returned to the council with the approval of the mayor shall become an ordinance, and every bill presented as aforesaid, but returned with his objections thereto, shall stand reconsidered. The council shall cause the objections of the mayor to be entered at large upon the journal, and proceed at its convenience to consider the question pending, which shall be in this form: Shall the bill pass, the objections of the mayor thereto notwithstanding? The votes on this question shall be taken by yeas and nays and the names entered upon the journal, and if two-thirds of all the members-elect shall vote in the affirmative, the president shall certify the fact on the roll, and the bill thus certified shall be deposited with the proper officer, and shall become an ordinance in the same manner and with like effect as if it had received the approval of the mayor. The mayor shall have power to sign or veto any ordinance passed by the city council, and shall also possess the power to approve all or any portion of the general appropriation bill, or to veto any item or all of the same; provided, that should he neglect or refuse to sign any ordinance and return the same with his objections, in writing, at the next regular meeting of the council, the same shall become a law without his signature. (RSMo 1939 § 6947) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6801; 1919 § 8288; 1909 § 9225

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.280 Mayor may veto resolutions and orders.

77.280. Mayor may veto resolutions and orders. — The mayor shall also have the power to veto any resolution or order of the council which calls for or contemplates the expenditure of the revenues of the city. Such vetoes shall be noted on the journal of the council, and shall be effective and binding unless the council, at a subsequent session thereof, general or special, shall pass said resolution or order by a vote of three-fourths of all the members elected to the council. (RSMo 1939 § 6948) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6802; 1919 § 8289; 1909 § 9226

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.290 Mayor shall communicate to the council, what.

77.290. Mayor shall communicate to the council, what. — The mayor shall, from time to time, communicate to the council such measures as may, in his opinion, tend to the improvement of the finances, the police, health, security, ornament, comfort and general prosperity of the city. (RSMo 1939 § 6873) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6727; 1919 § 8214; 1909 § 9151

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.310 May require officers to exhibit accounts.

77.310. May require officers to exhibit accounts. — The mayor shall have power to require, as often as he may deem it necessary, any officer of the city to exhibit his accounts or other papers or records, and to make report to the council, in writing, touching any subject or matter pertaining to his office. (RSMo 1939 § 6874) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6728; 1919 § 8215; 1909 § 9152

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.320 Mayor to sign all commissions and appointments - bond approval by mayor.

77.320. Mayor to sign all commissions and appointments — bond approval by mayor. — The mayor shall sign the commissions and appointments of all city officers elected or appointed in the city, and shall approve all official bonds. (RSMo 1939 § 6872, A.L. 1990 H.B. 986) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6726; 1919 § 8213; 1909 § 9150

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.330 May appoint what officers.

77.330. May appoint what officers. — The mayor, with the consent and approval of a majority of the members elected to the city council, shall have power to appoint a street commissioner and such other officers as he may be authorized by ordinance to appoint. (RSMo 1939 § 6879) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6733; 1919 § 8220; 1909 § 9157

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.340 May remove officer with consent of council.

77.340. May remove officer with consent of council. — The mayor may, with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the city council, remove from office, for cause shown, any elective officer of the city, such officer being first given opportunity, together with his witnesses, to be heard before the council, sitting as a court of impeachment. Any elective officer may, in like manner, for cause shown, be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the city council, independently of the mayor's approval or recommendation. The mayor may, with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the council, remove from office any appointive officer of the city at will; and any such appointive officer may be so removed by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the council, independently of the mayor's approval or recommendation. The council may pass ordinances regulating the manner of impeachment and removals. (RSMo 1939 § 6875) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6729; 1919 § 8216; 1909 § 9153

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.350 Shall enforce ordinances.

77.350. Shall enforce ordinances. — The mayor shall be active and vigilant in enforcing all laws and ordinances for the government of the city, and he shall cause all subordinate officers to be dealt with promptly for any neglect or violation of duty; and he is hereby authorized to call on every male inhabitant of the city, over eighteen years of age and under fifty, to aid in enforcing the laws. (RSMo 1939 § 6876) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6730; 1919 § 8217; 1909 § 9154

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.360 May remit fines.

77.360. May remit fines. — The mayor shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures and to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses arising under ordinances of the city; but this section shall not be so construed as to authorize the mayor to remit any costs which may have accrued to any officer of the city by reason of any prosecution under the laws or ordinances of said city. (RSMo 1939 § 6877) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6731; 1919 § 8218; 1909 § 9155

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.370 Elective officers - option to appoint certain officers - terms.

77.370. Elective officers — option to appoint certain officers — terms. — 1. Except as hereinafter provided, the following officers shall be elected by the voters of the city: mayor, police judge, attorney, assessor, collector, treasurer and, except in cities which adopt the merit system police department, a marshal. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 of this section, in cities which contract with another entity for police service, the city council may eliminate the office of marshal. 3. The attorney shall be a person licensed to practice law in Missouri, and the council, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of an attorney, by the mayor with the approval of the council, in lieu of electing an attorney. If so appointed he shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and council. 4. Whenever a city contracts for the assessment of property or the collection of taxes with either a public or private entity as authorized by section 70.220 , the city council may by ordinance provide that at the expiration of the term of the then city assessor or collector, as the case may be, the office is abolished and thereafter no election shall be had to fill the office; except that in the event the contract expires and, for any reason, is not renewed, the council may by ordinance provide for the election of such officer at the next and succeeding regular elections for municipal officers. 5. The term of office for each of the officers is two years except the office of mayor and the marshal which are four-year terms. All officers hold office until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified. 6. The council, by ordinance, may provide that any officer of the city except the mayor and the councilmen shall be appointed instead of elected. Such ordinance shall set the manner of appointment, in accordance with section 77.330 , and the term of office for each appointive officer, which term shall not exceed four years. (RSMo 1939 § 6869, A.L. 1955 p. 290, A.L. 1957 p. 240, A.L. 1959 H.B. 166, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, H.B. 1634, A.L. 1985 H.B. 817, A.L. 1989 H.B. 785, A.L. 2001 H.B. 491) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6723; 1919 § 8210; 1909 § 9147

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.380 Officers to be voters and residents of city, exceptions, appointed officers.

77.380. Officers to be voters and residents of city, exceptions, appointed officers. — All officers elected to offices or appointed to fill a vacancy in any elective office under the city government shall be voters under the laws and constitution of this state and, except appointed officers, must be residents of the city. No person shall be elected or appointed to any office who shall at the time be in arrears for any unpaid city taxes, or forfeiture or defalcation in office. (RSMo 1939 § 6889, A.L. 1967 p. 159, A.L. 1969 S.B. 15, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1987 S.B. 393, A.L. 1994 S.B. 517) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6743; 1919 § 8230; 1909 § 9167 (1991) If language of statute may be subject to more than one construction, the law favors the construction which is in harmony with reason and common sense and tends to avoid unreasonable and absurd results. Term "resident" means resident at time of commencement of appointed duties. Shands v. City of Kennett, 756 F.Supp. 420 (E.D. Mo.).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.390 Officer's oath - bond.

77.390. Officer's oath — bond. — Every officer of the city and his assistants, and every councilman, before entering upon the duties of his office, shall take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before some court of record in the county, or the city clerk, that he possesses all the qualifications prescribed for his office by law; that he will support the Constitution of the United States, and of the state of Missouri, the provisions of all laws of this state affecting cities of this class, and the ordinances of the city, and faithfully demean himself in office; which official oath or affirmation shall be filed with the city clerk. Every officer of the corporation, when required by law or ordinance, shall, within fifteen days after his election or appointment, and before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his office, give bond to the city in such sum and with such sureties as shall be designated by ordinance, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duty, and that he will pay over all moneys belonging to the city, as provided by law, that may come into his hands. If any person elected or appointed to any office shall fail to take and subscribe such oath or affirmation, or to give bond as herein required, his office shall be deemed vacant. For any breach of condition of any such bond, suit may be instituted thereon by the city, or by any person in the name of the city for the use of such person. (RSMo 1939 § 6890, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6744; 1919 § 8231; 1909 § 9168 Effective 1-02-79

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.400 Term officer construed.

77.400. Term officer construed. — The term "officer" , whenever used in this chapter, shall include any person holding any situation under the city government or any of its departments, with an annual salary, or for a definite term of office, other than clerical or professional staff. (RSMo 1939 § 6891, A.L. 1990 H.B. 986) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6745; 1919 § 8232; 1909 § 9169

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.410 City clerk - duties.

77.410. City clerk — duties. — The city clerk shall, among other duties, keep the journal of the proceedings of the council. He shall safely and properly keep all records and papers belonging to the city which may be entrusted to his care, and generally shall perform all the duties required of him by ordinance or orders of the council. He is hereby empowered to administer official oaths, and also oaths to persons certifying to demands or claims against the city. (RSMo 1939 § 6888, A.L. 1990 H.B. 986) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6742; 1919 § 8229; 1909 § 9169

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.440 Compensation of officers and employees.

77.440. Compensation of officers and employees. — The council shall have power to fix the compensation of all officers and employees of the city. (RSMo 1939 § 6893, A.L. 1955 p. 290, A.L. 1990 H.B. 986) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6747; 1919 § 8234; 1909 § 9171

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.450 Vacancies, how filled.

77.450. Vacancies, how filled. — If a vacancy occurs in any elective office other than the office of mayor, a successor to the vacant office shall be selected by appointment by the mayor with the advice and consent of a majority of the remaining members of the council. The council may adopt procedures to fill vacancies consistent with this section. The successor shall serve until the next available regular municipal April election. If a vacancy occurs in any office not elective, the mayor shall appoint a suitable person to discharge the duties of the same until the first regular meeting of the council thereafter, at which time the vacancy shall be permanently filled. (RSMo 1939 § 6894, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1990 H.B. 986, A.L. 1991 S.B. 34, A.L. 1999 S.B. 214, A.L. 2001 H.B. 491) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6748; 1919 § 8235; 1909 § 9172

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.460 Corrupt allowance of claim, how punished.

77.460. Corrupt allowance of claim, how punished. — Any member of the council or officer of the city who shall, in official capacity, or under color of his office, knowingly or willfully or corruptly vote or assent to, or report in favor of, or allow or certify for allowance, any claim or demand against the city, which claim or demand shall be on account of or under color of a contract or agreement not authorized by law and the ordinances of the city, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (RSMo 1939 § 6895) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6749; 1919 § 8236; 1909 § 9173

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.480 Duties may be regulated by ordinance - bonds required.

77.480. Duties may be regulated by ordinance — bonds required. — The duties, powers and privileges of officers of every character in any way connected with the city government, not herein defined, shall be prescribed by ordinance; and bonds may be required of any such officers for faithfulness in office. (RSMo 1939 § 6897) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6751; 1919 § 8238; 1909 § 9175

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.490 May fix certain rates.

77.490. May fix certain rates. — The council may, by ordinance, regulate and fix reasonable maximum rates and charges for the rental and use of telephones and telephone service within such city, and the price and quality of water, gas, gasoline, petroleum, electric lights and other means of lighting furnished by any person, firm or corporation operating under any franchise granted by the city, and may prescribe the candle power of the gas and electric lights furnished the city and private consumers. The council may, by ordinance, regulate and fix reasonable maximum rates, charges and prices of steam heat or other means of heating furnished by any person, firm or corporation operating under any franchise granted by the city, and may prescribe the pressure to be maintained, on its mains, by any steam heating company, person or firm operating the same. (RSMo 1939 § 6950) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6804; 1919 § 8291; 1909 § 9228

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.500 May also regulate and control the construction of buildings.

77.500. May also regulate and control the construction of buildings. — The city council may also regulate and control the construction of buildings, the construction and cleaning of fireplaces, chimneys, stoves and stovepipes, ovens, boilers, kettles, forges or any apparatus used in any building, manufactory or business which may be dangerous in causing or promoting fires, and may provide for the inspection of the same. The council may also provide, by ordinance, limits within which no building shall be constructed except of brick or stone or other incombustible materials, with fireproof roofs, and impose a penalty for the violation of such ordinance, and may cause buildings commenced, put up or removed into such limit, in violation of such ordinance, to be removed or abated. (RSMo 1939 § 6950) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6804; 1919 § 8291; 1909 § 9228

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.505 Electricians and electric contractors, certain cities third class may ...

77.505. Electricians and electric contractors, certain cities third class may license and regulate — exceptions — examination and inspection requirements. — 1. Except as provided in subsection 5, the city council of each third class city, including a city of the third class in a county of the third class which contains a state university whose primary mission is engineering studies and technical research, shall have the power and authority to license, levy and collect a license tax on, and regulate, electrical contractors and electricians. 2. Any third class city which licenses and regulates electrical contractors and electricians under this section shall require an examination be taken by those electrical contractors and electricians prior to granting a license. The examination shall be either the multistate electrical licensing test or some other comparable examination which is based on the National Electrical Code as developed by the National Fire Protection Association. Each third class city which licenses and regulates electrical contractors and electricians shall establish a process for administering the test required in this section. The city may provide separate licenses for varying grades of electrical contractors and electricians and may exempt from licensure those electricians who are in the employ of an electrical contractor. 3. No third class city shall license and regulate electrical contractors or electricians unless and until such city shall provide for a process of inspection of and approval of electrical installations. Any inspector carrying out electrical inspections shall be a licensed electrician with a minimum of two years' experience in electrical work. 4. The city council of each third class city which licenses and regulates electrical contractors and electricians may appoint an advisory committee to assist with the development of examinations and licensing procedures as may be provided by ordinance. 5. The provisions of this section shall not apply to third class cities located in counties of the first class having a charter form of government or to third class cities located in a county of the third class; except, however, the provisions of this section shall apply to a city of the third class in a county of the third class which contains a state university whose primary mission is engineering studies and technical research. (L. 1990 S.B. 511 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.510 May regulate lumber yards - running at large of animals and fowls - provide ...

77.510. May regulate lumber yards — running at large of animals and fowls — provide pounds and impose penalties. — The council may prescribe limits within the city within which no lumber yard or wood yard or coal yard shall be kept, and may regulate, restrain and prohibit the erection or maintenance of any fence, composed in whole or in part of barbed wire, along or adjacent to any public street, avenue, alley, park, cemetery or other public place. The council may also regulate or prohibit the running at large of cattle, hogs, horses, mules, sheep, goats and other animals and domestic geese, ducks, chickens and turkeys, and cause such as may be running at large to be impounded and sold in such manner and time as may be provided by ordinance. The council may also provide penalties for the owners or keepers who shall permit such animals or geese, ducks, chickens or turkeys to run at large. The council may also provide for the erection of all needful pounds, pens and buildings for the use of the city within or without the city limits, and appoint and compensate keepers thereof, and establish and enforce rules governing the same. The council may also tax, restrain and prohibit the running at large of dogs, and provide for their destruction when at large contrary to ordinance, and impose penalties on the owners or keepers thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 6951) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6805; 1919 § 8292; 1909 § 9229

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.520 May control streets, sidewalks, amusements.

77.520. May control streets, sidewalks, amusements. — The council may prohibit and prevent all encroachments into and upon the sidewalks, streets, avenues, alleys and other public places of the city, and may provide for the removal of all obstructions from the sidewalks, curbstones, gutters and crosswalks at the expense of the owners or occupants of the ground fronting thereon, or at the expense of the person causing the same; the council may also regulate the planting of shade trees, erecting of awnings, hitching posts, lamp posts, awning posts, telephone, telegraph and electric light poles, and the making of excavations through and under the sidewalks or in any public street, avenue, alley or other public place within the city. The council may prevent and punish for all horseracing or other racing, fast driving or training in the streets, highways, avenues, alleys, or over bridges or through tunnels in the city, and all games, practices or amusements therein likely to result in damage to any person or property, and to regulate, prevent and punish for the riding, driving, leading, standing, hitching or passing of horses, mules, oxen or other teams or stock or animals or any vehicle over or upon or across or along any sidewalk, street, avenue or alley of the city. (RSMo 1939 § 6952) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6806; 1919 § 8293; 1909 § 9230 (1975) City has power to grant use of streets for cable television even though not expressly named in statute. City has right to reserve power to approve rates as a condition of grant to cable television service. Cablevision, Inc. v. City of Sedalia (Mo.), 518 S.W.2d 48.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.530 Powers of council, quarantine, condemnation, police power outside city.

77.530. Powers of council, quarantine, condemnation, police power outside city. — The council may make regulations and pass ordinances for the prevention of the introduction of contagious diseases into the city, and for the abatement of the same, and may make quarantine laws and enforce the same within five miles of the city. The council may purchase or condemn and hold for the city, within or without the city limits, within ten miles therefrom, all necessary lands for hospital purposes, waterworks, sewer carriage and outfall, and erect, establish and regulate hospitals, workhouses, poorhouses, police stations, fire stations and provide for the government and support of the same, and make regulations to secure the general health of the city, and to prevent and remove nuisances; provided, however, that the condemnation of any property outside of the city limits shall be regulated in all respects as the condemnation of property or railroad purposes is regulated by law; and provided further, that the police jurisdiction of the city shall extend over such lands and property to the same extent as over public cemeteries, as provided in this chapter. (RSMo 1939 § 6953, A.L. 1998 H.B. 1352) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6807; 1919 § 8294; 1909 § 9231 CROSS REFERENCES: Hospital, established, adoption for tax, board of trustees to govern, 96.150 to 96.229 Parks, city may acquire, tax to maintain, 90.010

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.550 Inspection, weighing.

77.550. Inspection, weighing. — The council may prescribe rules and provide methods by ordinance for the inspection, weighing and measuring of any commodity sold in the city in all cases not otherwise provided for by law, and may provide for the selling, weighing and inspecting of meats, poultry and vegetables, of butter, lard and other provisions and articles of food; and may provide for the inspecting and measuring of wood, coal and fuel, lumber, shingles, timber and all kinds of building material, and shall have power to appoint inspectors and measurers; and may make provisions for the inspection of steam boilers and all steam heating apparatus, and to license engineers using steam boilers in the city, and may regulate the place or places where hay, lime, lumber, timber, wood, coal and all kinds of fuel shall be exposed for sale, and fix the fees of the person or persons appointed to perform the duties named in this section. (RSMo 1939 § 6956) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6810; 1919 § 8297; 1909 § 9234 CROSS REFERENCE: Farmers, selling own produce, not subject to license, 150.030

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.560 Slaughterhouses, stockyards.

77.560. Slaughterhouses, stockyards. — The council shall have power, by ordinance, to secure the general health of the inhabitants of the city by any measure to regulate, suppress or abate slaughterhouses, slaughtering animals, stockyards, soap and other factories, pigpens, cow stables and other stables and dairies, coal oil tanks and factories, and to remove the same; and to regulate or prevent the carrying on of any business which may be dangerous or detrimental to the public health, or the manufacturing or vending of articles obnoxious to the health of the inhabitants; to prevent, abate and remove nuisances in a summary manner at the cost of the occupant or owner of the premises where the nuisance or the cause thereof may be; provided, that the same was caused by the occupant or owner of the premises or his agent; and all costs and expenses incurred by the city in removing or abating any nuisance on private property within the city limits may be assessed against the occupant or owner, if caused by them or either of them or their agent, and the same shall be assessed by the council as a special tax bill against such private property, which shall be a special lien against such property in the same manner and with the same effect that special tax bills are for paving; or the cost of removing or abating such nuisance may be made a part of the judgment by the judge, in addition to the fine imposed, in case of conviction in court of the person causing or maintaining any such nuisance; and the power is hereby given the city council to provide punishments for persons causing or maintaining nuisances in the city, or within one mile thereof. The council may also provide for a health commissioner and board of health to perform such duties and such powers as may be prescribed by ordinance; and may provide for the condemnation of goods, merchandise, clothing, furniture and other personal property containing the germs of contagious or infectious dangerous disease, whenever the same is necessary for the health of the city; but in every case where private property is so condemned and destroyed, due compensation shall be made to the owner thereof, upon the appraisement of five disinterested commissioners appointed by the mayor. (RSMo 1939 § 6957, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6811; 1919 § 8298; 1909 § 9235 Effective 1-02-79

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.570 Police regulations.

77.570. Police regulations. — The council shall enact ordinances to prohibit and suppress houses of prostitution and other disorderly houses and practices, and gambling houses and all kinds of public indecencies, and may prohibit the selling or giving intoxicating liquors to any minor or habitual drunkard. The council shall also enact ordinances to restrain and prohibit riots, noises, assaults and battery, petit larceny, disturbances of the peace, disturbances of religious and other lawful assemblies, indecent shows, exhibitions or concerts in any street, house or place in the city, disorderly assemblies, and to regulate, restrain and prevent the discharge of firearms and the keeping and discharge of rockets, powder, fireworks or other dangerous combustible materials in the streets or in the limits of the city. (RSMo 1939 § 6950) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6804; 1919 § 8291; 1909 § 9228

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.590 Council may make ordinances and rules and regulations and establish ...

77.590. Council may make ordinances and rules and regulations and establish penalties for violation. — For any purpose or purposes mentioned in this chapter, the council may enact and make all necessary ordinances, rules and regulations; and they may enact and make all such ordinances and rules, not inconsistent with the laws of the state, as may be expedient for maintaining the peace and good government and welfare of the city and its trade and commerce; and all ordinances may be enforced by prescribing and inflicting upon its inhabitants, or other persons violating the same, such fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, and such imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both such fine and imprisonment, as may be just for any offense, recoverable with costs of suit, together with judgment of imprisonment, until the fine and costs are paid or satisfied; and any person committed for the nonpayment of fine and costs, or either, may be compelled to work out the same as herein provided; but, in any case wherein the penalty for an offense is fixed by any statute, the council shall affix the same penalty by ordinance for the punishment of such offense, except that imprisonments, when made under city ordinances, may be in the city prison or workhouse instead of the county jail. (RSMo 1939 § 7014, A.L. 1972 S.B. 504) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6868; 1919 § 8350; 1909 § 9277 CROSS REFERENCE: Ordinances, codification and revision procedure, 71.940 to 71.948

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.600 Claims and suits for damages - notice.

77.600. Claims and suits for damages — notice. — No action shall be maintained against any city organized under the laws of this state as a city of the third class on account of any injuries growing out of any defect or unsafe condition of or on any bridge, boulevard, street, sidewalk or thoroughfare in said city, until notice shall first have been given in writing to the mayor of said city, within ninety days of the occurrence for which such damage is claimed, stating the place where, the time when such injury was received, and the character and circumstances of the injury, and that the person so injured will claim damages therefor from such city. (RSMo 1939 § 7044) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6898; 1919 § 8372

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.610 Shall give bond on appeal.

77.610. Shall give bond on appeal. — Such city, in taking an appeal or prosecuting a writ of error in any judicial proceeding, shall give bonds as required by law; but it is hereby released from the obligation of law to furnish security therefor. All such bonds shall be executed by the mayor or chief magistrate of such city, and shall be taken in all courts of this state as full compliance with the law in such cases; and all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with this provision are hereby repealed. (RSMo 1939 § 7017) Prior revisions: 1929 § 6871; 1919 § 8353; 1909 § 9280

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.650 Recall of elected officials - procedure - limitations.

77.650. Recall of elected officials — procedure — limitations. — 1. The holder of any elective office in a third class city may be removed by the qualified voters of such city by recall petition in accordance with the procedure set out in sections 77.650 to 77.660 subject to the following limitations: (1) The officer has held office for at least six months; (2) In the case of an office for a term of two years only, one recall petition may be filed during such term; (3) For a term of office more than two years, additional recall petitions may be filed but not less than six months later after voter disapproval of the last recall petition; (4) The recalled officer may not be a candidate to succeed himself at a special election held to fill the vacancy created by his recall, nor may he be appointed by the appointing authority to fill the vacancy. 2. A petition signed by voters entitled to vote for a successor to the incumbent sought to be removed, equal in number to at least twenty-five percent of the total number of registered voters in such city entitled to vote for a successor to the incumbent sought to be removed, demanding the recall of a person from elective office shall be filed with the county clerk which petition shall contain a statement of the reasons for which recall is sought which shall not be more than two hundred words in length. Such petition for recall shall be filed with the appropriate county clerk or election authority within sixty days after the date of the earliest signature on the petition. The reasons for recall are misconduct in office, incompetence or failure to perform duties prescribed by law. The signatures to the petition need not all be appended to one paper, but each signer shall add to his signature his place of residence, giving the street and number and the date signed. One of the signers of each such paper shall make oath before an officer competent to administer oaths that the statements therein made are true as he believes and that each signature to the paper appended is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. (L. 1982 H.B. 1120 § 2, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision, A.L. 1997 S.B. 395)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.655 Recall petitions, examination and certification by county clerk - amended, ...

77.655. Recall petitions, examination and certification by county clerk — amended, when — duties of clerk and council. — Within ten days from the date of filing such petition, the county clerk of such third class city shall examine and from the voters' register ascertain whether or not said petition is signed by the requisite number of voters, and if necessary, the council shall allow him extra help for the purpose; and he shall attach to said petition his certificate, showing the result of said examination. If by the clerk's certificate the petition is shown to be insufficient, it may be amended within ten days from the date of said certificate. The clerk shall, within ten days after such amendment, make like examination of the amended petition, and if his certificate shall show the same to be insufficient, it shall be returned to the person filing the same, without prejudice, however, to the filing of a new petition to the same effect. If the petition shall be deemed to be sufficient, the clerk shall submit the same to the council without delay. If the petition shall be found to be sufficient, the council shall order the question to be submitted to the voters of the city. (L. 1982 H.B. 1120 § 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.660 Recall petition, election on, when, form of question - removal of official, ...

77.660. Recall petition, election on, when, form of question — removal of official, when, vacancy created. — 1. A special election shall be held on the recall petition as soon as practicable and as may be determined by the election authority of the county. The question to be presented to the voters at such election shall be in substantially the following form: 2. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question at such election shall vote FOR the removal of such officer, a vacancy shall exist in such office. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question at such election shall vote AGAINST the removal of such officer, such officer shall continue to serve during the term for which elected. (L. 1982 H.B. 1120 § 4)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.670 Reserve funds, certain third class cities may establish (including North ...

77.670. Reserve funds, certain third class cities may establish (including North Kansas City). — The governing body of any third class city with a population of more than four thousand but less than four thousand five hundred inhabitants that is located in a county of the first classification with a population of more than one hundred fifty thousand but less than one hundred seventy thousand inhabitants may establish, by ordinance, reserve funds. In the ordinance establishing the reserve funds, the city may either earmark the funds for a specific project, or for operations in general. The repeal or amendment of any such ordinance shall be approved by the qualified voters of the city. (L. 2000 H.B. 1647)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.675 Ordinances, adoption and repeal process (City of Farmington).

77.675. Ordinances, adoption and repeal process (City of Farmington). — 1. In addition to the process for passing ordinances provided in section 77.080 , the council of any city of the third classification with more than fifteen thousand but fewer than seventeen thousand inhabitants and located in any county of the first classification with more than sixty-five thousand but fewer than seventy-five thousand inhabitants may adopt or repeal any ordinance by passage of a bill that sets forth the ordinance and specifies that the ordinance so proposed shall be submitted to the registered voters of the city at the next municipal election. The bill shall be passed under and pursuant to the procedures in section 77.080 , except that it shall take effect upon approval of a majority of the voters rather than upon the approval and signature of the mayor. 2. If the mayor approves the bill and signs the bill * , the question shall be submitted to the voters in substantially the following form: 3. If a majority of the voters voting on the proposed ordinance vote in favor, such ordinance shall become a valid and binding ordinance of the city. (L. 2013 S.B. 23 merged with S.B. 58) *Word "it" appears in original rolls of S.B. 58, 2013.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.700 Disincorporation procedure, election, ballot language.

77.700. Disincorporation procedure, election, ballot language. — 1. The county governing body of any county in which a city of the third classification is located shall disincorporate the city as provided in sections 77.700 to 77.715 . 2. The county governing body shall order an election upon the question of disincorporation of a city of the third classification upon petition of twenty-five percent of the voters of the city. 3. The county governing body shall give notice of the election by publication in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city or, if there is no such newspaper in the city, then in the newspaper in the county published nearest the city. The notice shall contain a copy of the petition and the names of the petitioners. No election on the question of disincorporation shall be held until the notice has been published for four weeks successively. 4. The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form: 5. Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of those persons voting on the question, the county governing body shall disincorporate the city. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.703 Contractual rights not invalidated by dissolution.

77.703. Contractual rights not invalidated by dissolution. — No dissolution of the corporation shall invalidate or affect any right accruing to the corporation or to any person or invalidate or affect any contract entered into or imposed on the corporation. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.706 Trustee to be appointed - oath - bond.

77.706. Trustee to be appointed — oath — bond. — Whenever the county governing body shall dissolve any city of the third classification, the county governing body shall appoint some competent person to act as trustee for the corporation so dissolved, and such trustee, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and subscribe an oath that he or she will faithfully discharge the duties of his or her office and shall give bond with sufficient security, to be approved by the governing body, to the use of such disincorporated city, conditioned for the faithful discharge of his or her duty. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.709 Powers of trustee.

77.709. Powers of trustee. — The trustee shall have power to prosecute and defend to final judgment all suits instituted by or against the corporation, collect all moneys due the same, liquidate all lawful demands against the same, and for that purpose shall sell any property belonging to the corporation, or so much thereof as may be necessary, and generally to do all acts requisite to bring to a speedy close all the affairs of the corporation. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.712 Employment of counsel, report to county governing body - compensation of ...

77.712. Employment of counsel, report to county governing body — compensation of trustee. — The trustee shall employ counsel whenever necessary in the discharge of his or her duties and shall make a report of the proceedings to the county governing body at each regular term thereof, and the trustee shall receive for his or her services such compensation as the governing body shall think reasonable. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.715 Moneys to be paid over to county treasurer, when - all records to be ...

77.715. Moneys to be paid over to county treasurer, when — all records to be delivered to county clerk. — When the trustee shall have closed the affairs of the corporation and shall have paid all debts due by the corporation, he or she shall pay over to the county treasurer all money remaining in his or her hands, take receipt therefor, and deliver to the clerk of the county governing body all books, papers, records, and deeds belonging to the dissolved corporation. (L. 2016 S.B. 572)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=77Fetched: 10/17/2026