Two recent achievements in Doolittle have residents smiling and looking toward the future — the new sewer system that connects  about 95 homes on the south side of Interstate 44 and paving on both MacArthur and Eisenhower streets.
The sewer system funding of about $1.4 million is made possible by grants and loans from U.S. Department of Agriculture — Rural Development and Missouri’s Community Block Development Grant Program. 
“We feel fortunate that about 70 percent of the total costs for the sewer project have come in the form of grants that do not have to be repaid,” said Doolittle Mayor Paul Smith.
During the City Council meeting Tuesday, residents were thankful for the recent accomplishments, particularly citing the construction companies performing the sewer work.
“We have had excellent cooperation from Maggi and Gahr construction firms, the major contractors on the project,” Smith said.
“We, obviously, have several minor clean-up items to be done, but for the most part the project is finished — and we are glad,” the mayor said.
“The project did come in several weeks late, mostly due to unusual rains during the spring and summer.  We have negotiated with Maggi Construction a penalty that recognizes the late completion, but recognizes also the unusual weather which greatly caused the delay in completion,” Smith said.
Funds for the paving projects, totaling about $155,000 have come from City coffers which, in turn, come from state road taxes, city property taxes, and other local city sources. 
“These two projects represent the largest road projects that the city has ever been able to do in one year,” said Ron Bramlett, Mayor pro-tempore.
“Our streets and roads are in better condition than we have seen in several years.  Obviously, we must continue to look for ways to fund additional improvements to our road system,” Bramlett said.
 The city needs more paving done on MacArthur, and it is hopeful that next year it can finish off that street. 
However, Bramlett noted a problem.
“One problem noted by the Council: Smoother roads encourage higher speeds.  Drivers should be reminded and should be aware that on these smooth, level roads, City of Doolittle Police will be enforcing the 35 mph speed limits,” he said.
Councilman Roy Stevenson added: “We greatly appreciate also the road work being done in our area by Phelps County Highway Department.  Their cooperation helps all of us do a better job of serving the public, whether in Doolittle or on Phelps County Roads.”                                                              
In other City Council action ...:
• City employees were given cost-of-living pay raises ranging from 4- to 5 percent, effective immediately, 
• Property tax rates were set for 2008 taxes at $0.2679 per $100 assessed valuation, essentially the same rate as for 2007.
• Conducted a hearing regarding the annexation of a small portion of I-44 into the city, with no objections being heard.
• Made plans to accommodate the Tour of Missouri bicycle race coming through Doolittle on Sept. 11 on its way to an overnight stay in Rolla.
• Began planning for a citywide trash and junk pickup to be coordinated through Meramec Regional Solid Waste activities, likely in October.  City personnel and equipment will be available to help residents get their unwanteds to a collection spot.
• Approved a plan to assist Gascosage Electric customers who are participating in Gascosage’s energy-efficient light bulb exchange.  Gascosage customers are to bring a canned good item and receive two energy efficient light bulbs at no cost.  The canned goods will be donated to a local food distribution pantry.