Altenburg board votes to petition for release from consolidation agreement

Having received public outcry regarding consolidation of sister cities Frohna and Altenburg, city officials in both towns have agreed upon a legal plan to remain separate.

The Altenburg Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance at Tuesday night's meeting that stated their intent to file a petition for a declaratory judgment in Perry County, Missouri, circuit court that would release the towns from the consolidation agreement.

Because the initial plan to consolidate was decided by a majority vote in 2001 involved both towns, both must agree to file the petition. Because the dispute regarding the renaming of the new consolidated town prevented the filing of any consolidation ordinance by either city, Frohna city officials likely will adopt a matching ordinance today seeking a declaratory judgment at their board of aldermen meeting.

All except one Altenburg alderman, who was absent, voted to adopt the ordinance Tuesday.

The ordinance required the two cities bear the cost of filing the petition equally.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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