The Stoddard County Commission began their regular meeting with a prayer over the county and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Budget Hearing
While the Budget Hearing was in process, Commissioner Carol Jarrell made the comment that the Public Hearing Notice was not in the Dexter Statesman on January 10th as required by law.
"I reached out to the Attorney General's office and said that they could not give an opinion," commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "They stated they would reach out to the other office within the Attorney General's office and get clarification. We did proceed to approve the budget as no one come in and asked any questions about the budget."
"If anything else needs to be done we will do that," stated Mathis. "The Budget was approved and passed."
Rebecca Gratton, City Clerk for the City of Dudley
Gratton produced a "Letter to request ARPA Funds" from the Mayor of the city of Dudley, Lucille Mullins.
"We have been working with Katelyn Lambert, of the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission," stated Gratton. "This request is for water meters."
The 3 bids included in the letter:
IMCO - $62,524.05 - does not include installation, system training, or plastic lids for the meter boxes.
Midwest Meter - $55,570.00 - Includes installation, system training and plastic lids for the meter boxes. These items are necessary fore the city to ensure the proper installation.
Core & Main - $46,238.62 - Does not include installation, system straining, or plastic lids for the meter boxes, but does offer software training.
The letter goes on to say that replacing their water meters is not just a necessary expense, but also a strategic investment in the future of Dudley. "This project will have a positive impact on residents, environment, and the city's financial well-being. We are confident that funding this initiative aligns with Stoddard County's commitment to supporting infrastructure improvements and sustainable water resource management within its communities."
On the detailed spreadsheet from previous year, the City of Dudley, was not on the initial listing. The paperwork had been misfiled. Loflin of SthowMe Time and Lamber of BRPC found the paperwork while auditing the files. It was unfortunate that the city of Dudley did not get approved for funding sooner.
Motion to accept and approved the funding of $55,570.00 to be paid to the city of Dudley for water meter replacement made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Mathis instructed Gratton to turn in the invoices etc to Katelyn Lambert as soon as possible and then a check could be processed.
Old Business:
Motion to accept the December Ads and Abates made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
2024 Budget Appropriation Order must be signed within 5 days after approving the budget by the Commission. It will need to be sent into the Missouri State Auditors office.
Motion to sign the 2024 Budget Appropriation Order made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three votes yes and motion passed.
You can find the requirements RSMO 51 - 60 online if you are interested in running or just want to see what the qualifications are for each elected official.
Cecil Weeks, County Clerk - Election 2024
Filing for County offices start at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 and ends on March 26th at 5 p.m. in the Clerk's Office.
Public Administrator, Sheriff, Collector/Treasurer, Coroner, Associate Commissioner District 1, Associate Commissioner District 2, Assessor and Surveyor for Stoddard County are all positions that will be on the ballot in the primary in August 2024.
Township County Committee man or Committee Woman Republican Central Committee and Democratic Central Committee - cost is $100 to the committee
Motion to accept the meeting minutes from January 16, 2024 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes from January 16th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the minutes from the budget hearing from January 18th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to enter into Closed Session at 10:57 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission meeting began with a prayer by Presiding Greg Mathis and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jim Mayo - Stars and Stripes Museum/Stoddard County Historical Society.
"In 1964 we organized the Stoddard County Historical Society," commented Mayo. "We purchased the old General Baptist Church and put our museum in there. Over the years we have had to put a roof on it and do other things like fix the basement. We had to sell the old church because the floor was going out and we did sell the church to Bloomfield Schools. They have since torn it down and built a park lot."
"We bought another church and put a new roof on it, but the floor was also falling through so we got another building downtown, but we have a young lady wanting to rent it," continued Mayo. "Do you have any ideas where we can relocate our museum. We have a lot of papers, important historical papers."
"Is there anyway the County can help us out?" asked Mayo. "We want to stay as close to the Courthouse as we can. We are just asking if you all have any ideas or any vacancies?"
Mathis asked, "Is this for just storage or for opening to the public?"
Mayo went on to explain that the membership is getting old and we want to get it set up to turn over to the younger people. We are getting in a bind to find a location.
"We need a place for storage at this time with heat/air." stated Mrs. Sue Mayo. "We have a lot of cemetery books that were printed in 1992 and lots of paper that needs to be stored."
"We have a good history and we should preserve it," Jim Mayo went on to explain. "We need to preserve it. History grows every day and we are trying to save it. It is time for our younger people to take it over, but we want to make it strong for them."
"I think the upstairs of the courthouse would be a good spot," stated Mayo. "The old courthouse would be a great place for the history. Of course we would like to put an elevator in if we open it as a museum.
Commissioner Mathis stated that there is storage area; however it a little messy right now, but he would have to discuss it with some other elected officials as they store important documents in there as well. He would get back to Mr. Mayo as to whether or not that was a viable option.
Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer
Speakman discussed drainage districts and ditches that need to be cleaned out specifically in the Advance area. Those ditches in question are #1333 and #14. The Commission and Mr. Speakman discussed several ideas and would form a game plan to help with the drainage of those two ditches.
There is monies available. Per Missouri State Statute 243.260 they can combine monies to help eliminate or improve the drainage in these ditches by performing some type of clean-out.
Per MO State Statute 243.260 - Districts may contract with other districts for outlets - cost determined, how. - Drainage districts organized or incorporated under this chapter may contract with each other, and with districts organized and incorporated under any other law of this state or under the laws of other states, for such outlet or outlets as the one may need and the other can furnish on such terms as may be deemed to be just and fair. The cost of obtaining such outlet or outlets to be paid as other expenses of the district for making improvements. If the districts cannot agree upon the compensation to be paid for the outlet, the district supplying the outlet, by action in the circuit court of the county wherein the district for which the outlet is supplied is organized, may recover from such district fair and just compensation for supplying the outlet. Any compensation received by the district shall be applied to improving its ditches or levees or reducing taxation or indebtedness.
Ads and Abates were postponed until next week.
Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from January 8, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and minutes approved.
On Thursday, Budget Hearing will be at 9 a.m. for one hour per Commissioner Mathis.
Motion to enter into closed session at 11:03 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner C.D.Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
2023 Annual report Stoddard County Coroner’s Office Brent Stidham - Coroner
To continue keeping the public informed and provide transparency, I am releasing my annual Coroner’s report to the residents of Stoddard County. The Stoddard County Coroner’s office consists of myself and Deputy Coroner Ashley Robey. It is our mission to investigate every death in Stoddard County and provide accurate death information for death certificates and family members. Death investigations often include, ordering and attending autopsies, collecting toxicology testing, responding to scenes, interviewing witnesses, locating and notifying next of kin, speaking with primary care physicians, and obtaining medical records. I once again would like to thank our Stoddard County funeral homes, Mathis Funeral Home, Watkins Funeral Home, and Morgan Funeral Home, as well as all first responders for their professionalism and assistance in 2023.
2023 saw a spike in child fatalities. This is the worst situation imaginable for the families as well as the first responders and agencies who work
these cases. During these cases the county has a Child Fatality Review Panel that is responsible for contributing information to help determine the cause of death, identify and help implement services available to the family, and identify ways to prevent further child fatalities. All information from these meetings is confidential. Autopsies are required in children under 18, with the exception of medical situations when a State certified Child Pathologist deems it unnecessary. In addition the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team ( STAT) will reimburse counties who have an active Child Fatality Review Panel that completes the necessary procedures. In the last three years Stoddard County has had a 100% reimbursement rate for child autopsies. This is due to conducting meetings and completing required data entry in a timely manner. The due diligence of this panel assured that all child fatalities were thoroughly investigated, while also saving Stoddard County taxpayers $14,000 in 2023. The Stoddard County Child Fatality Review Panel consists of the following members.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith Stoddard County Coroner Brent Stidham
Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner, Chief Deputy Andrew Holden, Detective Garry Brady and Detective John Atkinson
Stoddard County Chief Juvenile Officer Tonya Causey ( Chairman) Members of the investigating law enforcement agency (municipalities) Members of the Stoddard County Health Department
Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Stoddard County Children's Division Stoddard County Health Department Stoddard County Ambulance District
It should be noted, if a death occurs in the city limits of a town with a Police Department, members of that Department attend the review meetings. In 2023 Officers from the Dexter Police Department and Bernie Police Department attended meetings that concerned children from their
respective municipalities. I would like to thank all of these agencies for their work on this panel.
Another point in this year’s report is that Stoddard County did not record a single overdose death. While in some cases drug use was a potential contributing factor, there were not any that were deemed an overdose. In overdoses an autopsy or toxicology testing is always performed. It is uncommon across the state to have a county without an overdose death, however, in Stoddard County there are several reasons we are successfully changing that trend. Those reasons include the public knowledge of properly administering Narcan, the increasing availability and success of inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities in the area, excellent effort by all Stoddard County law enforcement agencies, tough prosecution for repeat offenders, and zero tolerance for dangerous drug dealers. Together all of those things are helping Stoddard County fight fentanyl and the opioid epidemic.
Unfortunately 2023 saw an increase in suicide deaths and one homicide. Looking ahead, I hope to continue working with mental health agencies to eliminate suicide from our County and increase mental health awareness. I also plan to continue working with private entities, and local and state agencies to provide assistance and information that can keep Stoddard County a safe and positive place to live and work.
As Coroner I always strive to be professional, helpful and compassionate during what is a family's worst day. I will continue to speak for those who no longer have a voice to ensure that every death in Stoddard County is properly investigated. I will always ensure that the deceased and families are treated with dignity and respect. In addition, it is my duty to be mindful of taxpayers money. That makes me proud to say that after saving taxpayers over $12,000 in 2023 our office has now saved taxpayers over $35,000 in a three year period.
2023 budget information Total budgeted: $60,978.99
Total actual: $48,848.75
2023 case information
The following information is in regards to Coroner’s Office cases only and does not include deaths occurring under the care of a physician such as hospice.
Total cases investigated and certified by the Coroner’s office: 117 Scene responses: 88
Natural Causes: 94
Homicide: 1
Suicide: 8
Motor vehicle accident: 6 Accident (fire): 2 Accident (fall): 2 Accident (other): 2 Cases pending: 2
Age groups
0-18: 5
19-45: 18
46-70: 47
70 and over: 47
The Stoddard County Commission began their 2024 year with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county officials, state officials, police and fire and all those serving in the military.
Alisha Trammel, Dexter Chamber of Commerce - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Update
“I just wanted to add or rather explain a couple of things that were in the press release,” commented Trammel.
1. Investment of $13 million putting into the upgrades of the processing plant, mill and hatchery. That is their initial estimate of investment into the buildings and the process.
2. Employment numbers will be in phases. Phase one is 96 employees. That 96 comes from the Missouri Works Program and other state incentives. County wage island average of $44,000 per person currently and they will have to pay 80% of their salaries and 50% of their insurance benefits. They must have 96 employees and if they do not they are the disqualified from the Missouri Works Program.
Tyson pursued Cal Maine Foods, Inc. to purchase the buildings.
"We are actively recruiting for more businesses," stated Trammell. "The hotel project is coming along. I am actually meeting this week to get some dates.”
Motion to accept the meeting minutes from Friday, December 29, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Important dates:
Martin Luther King Jr. day is Monday, January 15, 2024/ County offices are closed
January 10, 2024 is the last day to Register to Vote for February 6, 2024 Bond Election
Final Certification for the April 2, 2024 General Municipal Election is January 23, 2024.
Absentee Voting Begins for March 5, 2024 Charter Election is January 23, 2024
No Excuse Absentee Voting begins for February 6, 2024 Bond Election is January 23, 2024
Motion to enter into closed session made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commissioners opened the next to the last meeting of the 2023 year with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Old Business:
Commissioner Greg Mathis stated that everything looks good with the Department of Economic Development for the deobligation of the CDBG grant with Bootheel Regional Planning. He does have one form to send to them and that is the "sign-in" sheet for the last Commission meeting.
The final contract for the health insurance has been finalized. It was already voted on by the Commission at a previous meeting. Today the Commission signed off on the contract.
New Business:
Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management
Bishop stated that the first quarter EMPG grant claims for the operating period of July 1, 2023 thru September 30, 2023 were submitted and approved. ON November 17th we were reimbursed $6,540.91 for this claim.
The EMPG 2nd quarter grant claims for the operating period of October 1st - December 31st will be submitted before January 15, 2024.
Stoddard County EMA fiscal year 2024 budget has been submitted to the Stoddard County Clerk's office to be reviewed by the Commission.
"On August 22nd - 25th I attended the 2023 Missouri State Emergency Management Conference and from August 30th - September 1st I also attended the 2023 MFSMA Annual Conference," commented Bishop. "On October 19th, I attended the quarterly SEMO EMA and RHSOC meeting. On November 6th the Stoddard County EMA hosted the NWS Winter Weather Workshop with the Paducah National Weather Service. Information was provided on the upcoming winter weather season and the new NWS Chat Service. 17 area stakeholders attended."
He continued to discuss the November 28th quarter Bootheel LEPD meeting and the December 13th quarter Stoddard County Consortium meeting. Stoddard County EMA asked for, and received approval from the board, for access to the Zuercher System that all county dispatchers use. With access, EMA will be able to start weather related CFS's for time tracking during an event, and will also have access to the map functions that will allow for EMA to place real time barriers and information on the map concerning flooded/blocked roads, etc. Once these are placed on the map, all dispatches will be able to see the same information, so it can be conveyed to their appropriate people when routing to a call could be an issue.
The HMPG Siren Grant - Notice for bid is active. I twas advertised int he Daily Statesman, and the Daily American republic. Notice for bid is also posted on the front door of the Stoddard County Ambulance office. Bids are due no later than Friday, January 5th at 3 p.m. CST. Once all bids are received they will be brought to the Commission for discussion.
The procurement paperwork is ongoing for the HMPG Generator Grant.
The bid process has been completed for ARPA radios. Battles Communications was the only bid received. All paperwork submitted to BRPC and the approval was given to order radios. Radios have been ordered and we are waiting for them to be received. Preliminary breakdown of radio distribution is as follows: Puxico Fire (3), Dudley Fire (3), Essex Fire (3), Bernie Fire (3), Bloomfield Fire (2), Bernie MEA (1), Stoddard County EMA (1).
Bishop gave upcoming dates he will be attending three meetings. On January 18th there will be a quarterly SEMO EMA and RHSOC meeting, January 30th a quarterly Bootheel LEPD meeting and on February 28th and 29th in Columbia for the Local Volunteer and Donations Management Class.
Debbie Ellinghouse, AFLAC agent for Stoddard County
She stepped in for just a minute to check in with the Commission and drop off the Employee Benefit Options for 2024 with rates for the pay period
Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes for December 11th made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes for December 11th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commission Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to close the regular session of the meeting at 11:51 a.m.made by Commissioner Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
