Poplar Bluff city manager responds to criticism

City manager Heath Kaplan was expected to release a newsletter Wednesday explaining his recent financial decisions and responding to community concerns.

"I want to provide the background on the decisions I am making. There is a lot of bad information being circulated in the public," Kaplan said. "The newsletter is eight pages long. It goes through all the major financial decisions I have made."

He promised "to set the record straight" about the Poplar Bluff Transportation Development District debt, the tax increment financing debt and the city's cash reserves.

Kaplan urged anyone with questions about city finances to contact him at city hall.

"The [Daily American Republic] has motivated me to become a better city manager," Kaplan said. "I can do a better job to inform the public. I want to cut down on misinformation in moving forward."

Mayor Pro Tem Jack Rushin said he looked forward to reading the newsletter and said it's an example of Kaplan "using the best practice principles from the International City Managers Association."

While former city managers Doug Bagby and Tom Lawson are concerned about the city borrowing $5 million for updating technology, new police equipment and new electric and water meters, Kaplan said the city borrowed more to build the Black River Coliseum. The city has four more years of principal and interest payments on the coliseum/golf course debt.

Kaplan said he thinks the coliseum is good for the city, but noted "the operating losses exceed $7 million."

"That is enough for a new city hall," Kaplan said.

Mayor Angela Pearson said "people are thankful for the changes that are being made."