Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

The regularly scheduled Monday meeting was moved to Tuesday due to the Columbus Day holiday.  The Agenda is light as well today.

Motion made to approve the September 2023 Adds/Abates from Josh Speakman, Collector made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to pay $198,780.00 to Castor Township for the asphalt overlay for county road 413 that was paid to Causey Companies made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and the motion passed. Castor Township requested these funds 

Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from October 2, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed meeting minutes from October 2, 2023 made by Commissioner C.d. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All voted yes and motion passed.

The Commissioners adjourned and entered into closed session around 10:30 a.m.

Governor Mike Parson proclaimed October to be Farm to School Month in Missouri. Farm to School Month celebrates school nutrition professionals, farmers and ranchers nationwide for their contributions to feeding Missouri students.

“Thousands of Missourian’s grow and raise delicious products that are served on school breakfast and lunch trays every day,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “I appreciate the opportunity to recognize this connection from Missouri’s farmers and ranchers to the school table. It is important for students to understand that their food is grown and raised by people in their own community and other communities across Missouri.”

Schools can celebrate Farm to School Month by participating in the national Crunch Off to bring awareness of Missouri grown products. Gather students, co-workers, community members and local food enthusiasts to crunch into a Missouri apple or any other locally grown produce during the month of October. To register your Crunch Off event, click here.

Missouri school districts and Early Childcare Education Centers (ECE) can purchase their produce from a local farmer and receive reimbursement up to $1,000 with the Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools Grant Program. This project aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in children and adults in schools/ECEs.

Each school/ECE is required to complete one educational activity about specialty crop production. It is highly encouraged that this activity include the farmer, and can be either in-person or virtual. The specialty crop can be for taste testing, educational activity or served in regular school meals.

If you grow apples or other produce and are interested in selling in bulk to schools and groups participating in the Crunch Off, contact Lexi Jose at alexis.jose@mda.mo.gov. 

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.  

The Stoddard County Commission entertained more than 15 people in attendance for the morning meeting.  The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission w/ARPA Update

ARPA Request for Water District. $15,168.02 for Water District #5

Motion to pay Water District #5 $15,168.02 already approved thru the ARPA Funds made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner C.D.Stewart.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

SS/SB 190 Bill Informational Discussion

Concerned Superintendents and Asst. Superintendents in Stoddard County attended the Commission meeting today.  Cindy Crabb, Puxico School District, Gavin Miller, Dexter School District, Jason Karnes, Bloomfield School District, Brad Botsch, Bernie School District, Carrie Tripp, Richland School District, Shannon Garner, Advance School District, and Matt Asher, Bell City School District were on hand to discuss the new Senate Bill 190.

"I have a statement to make on behalf of the County Commission in regards to Senate Bill 190 and the role of how the Stoddard County Commission will play into the this bill.  SS/SB 190 modifies provisions relating to the taxation of seniors," commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "It does exempt Social Security payments from Missouri Income Tax and Missouri is the 40th state to do so."

"It provides property tax relief to senior citizens if individual counties pass an authorizing ordinance or if a petition is submitted to the County Commission in support of such credit and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters," continued Mathis.  "The legislation idd not mandate that the tax credit 'shall be' forced upon each county, but allows each county to make their own determination as to whether the tax credit is implemented.

SB 190 was passed by the Legislature during the 2023 legislative session and recently signed Governor Parson signed the bill on July 6, 2023. The legislation modifies the law relating to the taxation of seniors.  It has two main provisions, one related to property tax credits and one that deals with income taxes on retirement benefits.

"The law, as currently written, allows counties to provide a tax credit to seniors who are eligible for Social Security and who owns their home, use it as their primary residence and are required to make tax payments on that home," commented Mathis.

Under SB 190, qualifying seniors would be exempt from increase in the amount of property taxes they owe based on when they first became eligible for Social Security.

"We realize the financial burden increased property taxes can have on some senior citizens and we are not opposed to looking at options that could address this issue," stated Mathis.  "However, it is important to also recognize that our school district relies on property taxes as a significant revenue source.  Reductions in this important revenue source can lead to negative impacts on our students and teachers," continued Mathis.

"The amount of property tax credit shall be equal to the difference between the real property tax liability in the given year minus the real property tax liability on such homestead in the year in which the tax payer became eligible tax payer." Mathis said.

There are still many questions about the implementation of this legislation and the definition of some terms used in the new law, but here is what you need to know about its impact on each school district.

Mathis had several good questions regarding the new bill and asked Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Treasurer/Collector.  Speakman was unable to answer some of the questions because the new law is not clear on many items.

According to the Missouri Tax Commission, the County Collector would be required to calculate the credit based on the tax liability for the homestead when a qualifying individual first became eligible for Social Security benefits, which might have occurred a few or many years in the past.

Generally, under provisions of the Hancock Amendment, taxing jurisdictions (like school districts) can adjust their tax rate to make up for lost revenue.  However, SB 190 does not provide th option for school districts to adjust their tax rates to recoup (e.g., recover) lost revenue, which will lead to an overall reduction in the amount of property tax revenue a school district will receive.

"Property tax funding provides a tremendous amount of the total operating revenue for our districts," commented Presiding Commission Greg Mathis. "If there is a major decrease in tax collections with no option for recoupment, we could be forced to ask our voters to approve a tax rate increase.  This places the burden of additional taxes on our non-Social Security eligible residents.

Scott County will host a regional meeting for elected officials and anyone interested on October 11, 2023 in Sikeston at the Minor Convention Center.  It starts at 9 a.m. and they do break for lunch and go until 3 p.m.

SS/SB 190 Property Tax Credit

This act authorizes a county to grant a property to eligible taxpayers residing in such county, provided such county has adopted an ordinance authorizing such credit, or a petition in support of such credit is delivered to the governing body of the county and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters, as described in the act.

Eligible taxpayers are defined as residents who 1) are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits; 2) are the owner of record of or have a legal or equitable interest in a homestead; and 3) are liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead. 

The amount of the property tax credit shall be equal to the difference between the real property tax liability on the homestead in a given year minus the real property tax liability on such homestead in the year in which the taxpayer became an eligible taxpayer.

A credit granted pursuant to this act shall be applied when calculating the eligible taxpayer's property tax liability for the tax year.  The amount of the credit thrall be noted on the statement of tax due sent to the eligible taxpayer by the county collector.

The amount of property tax credits authorized by a county pursuant to this act shall be considered tax revenue actually received by the county for the purposes of calculating property tax levies.

In the coming months, the Stoddard County Commission will be monitoring this issue to see if the state legislative re-visits the approved legislation that was subsequently signed into law in order to correct concerns that have been raised," stated Presiding Commission Greg Mathis. "Also to see if any lawsuits will be filed regarding the approved law."

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

There are a lot of open ended issues/questions out there," stated Speakman. "The Missouri Associations of Counties has formed a task force to address concerns of their membership."

"Reasons I have reservations, it doesn't address new construction on a home is just one and the law doesn't define the residential vs the areas surrounding the home," continued Speakman.   "There will be a major financial impact on the schools in Stoddard County."

"Just to implement this with the software change is going to cost the county $25,000 plus a person to come in investigate all the parameters of the tax credit," continued Speakman. "We will need a uniform procedure for eligible recipient to provide the necessary documentation to verify eligibility and that will cost the County dollars."

"I don't want to see it go to the ballot yet due to the verbiage of the bill," Speakman said of the SB 190 Bill.  "It needs to be hashed out in one more session of congress. It will be very challenging to implement this bill."

Aaron Mathis, representing the Dexter School Board asked if there was a way to determine how many homesteads in Stoddard County that are 62 years of age or above.  Speakman said that it would be quite difficult to figure that out.

Mathis opened the floor to the superintendents, etc in attendance.

Anytime you can get a tax break that is great and we do respect our seniors, but we do have to take care of our schools and the budgets going down the road," Brad Botsch, Superintendent of Bernie Public Schools. "I agree with what Mrs. Tripp said, that we are "pitting" our children against our seniors."

Gavin Miller, Asst. Superintendent of Dexter Public Schools, "As we move forward in education we are having to adjust to many budgetary cuts, funds are going away and we are required to hire more people.  The Tyson closure is going to affect our schools as well, especially at Dexter.  I would love to see seniors have tax breaks, I have in-laws that would qualify, but again I agree with others here we have to maintain our budgets,"      

"At that point the Stoddard County Commission will move forward to hear from all affected parties and then make a decision as to whether we as a Commission draft an ordinance to be voted on by the people and approved or do nothing and allow the question to be placed on the ballot via a petition by concerned constituents.  Implantation would not go into effect until the 2024 tax cycle," stated Mathis.

Motion to accept the minutes from September 18, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed session minutes from September 18, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to move into closed session at 11:00 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commission began at 9:00 a.m. sharp with Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asking everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over county officials, employees and the good weather for the farmers.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission - ARPA Update

Duck Creek Township has their request for the 3rd portion of already approved funding from the ARPA Funds for replacement of culverts as part of structural expense from 2022-2023 including truck hauling expenses, employee labor, and rental equipment expense totaling $24,001.93.

The remaining amount of $18,346.65 to be used for culverts.  The initial request and approved ARPA funds totals $213,974.00.  They have received their first and second portion which was $112,068.27 and $59,557.15 respectfully.  

Motion to approve the payment of $24,001.93 to Duck Creek Township made by C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and the motion passed.

Motion to approve the $3,526.50 for two culverts to Duck Creek Township for the purchase of culverts from the ARPA funds made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Bootheel Regional Planning Commission annual dinner will be October 26, 2023. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. 

Water District #4 is performing for a Low to Moderate Income (LMI) survey for a CDBG grant.  It is important that everyone who gets a letter, fill it out and send it back in so that Water District #4 can apply for this grant.

There will not be a CDBG cycle in November this year, but a Super Cycle in April 2024 for grants.  It will be the 2023 and 2024 funds put together.

Russ Oliver, Attorney at Law, Lawsuit Over Sunshine Law Requests

Presiding Commission Mathis updated the lawsuit filed by Russ Oliver in regards to requesting video and other items via Sunshine Law.  Stoddard County Commission in closed session did hire a private attorney because the lawsuit did not fit in the parameters of the liability insurance policy.   After further interaction with the insurance company, Travelers Insurance is now going to represent the county legally and any employees if there is a potential future lawsuit.  

Randy Kinder, Closing of Carrier Lane in Dexter

Kinder is owner of the property connecting the road requested to be closed and does not provide public access to public waters, creeks, rivers, parks, schools, or tributaries of any of these.  No roads/alleys will be closed that deny access to other properties.  Both Kinder and Kinder Excavating own the property and Liberty Township is also in agreement to closing the road.

Motion to close Carrier Lane with the following addresses 12825, 12829, and 12955 in Dexter, MO made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Other Business:

The Commission received a letter from the USDA NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service) U.S. Dept of Agriculture.  The NRCS is preparing an Environmental Document to assist in the Federal decision-making process concerning the Main Ditch - Little River Watershed including potential areas where work will be conducted.

Motion to accept the Minutes from Monday, September 11, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the Closed Minutes from Monday, September 11, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Commissioner Mathis emailed Mr. McCarty, Insurance Broker, about the 2024 Insurance Rates.  He did not have available and will get back with Mr. Mathis as soon as possible.

Motion to go into Closes Session at 11:02 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Important Dates

September 26th Special Closes Session at 9 a.m. (Cyber Security)

October 9th Offices will be closed for Columbus Day.  Commissioners will be meet on Tuesday, October 10th.

October 17th Salary Committee Meeting at 9 a.m.

Stoddard County Commissioners began their weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the community, farmers, and Stoddard County employees.

New Business

Randy Kinder - RK Contractors, Inc. 

He is the owner of 12825, 12829, and 12965 Carrier Lane in Dexter, Missouri.  He would like the Stoddard County Commissioners to take into consideration his request to close Carrier Lane.  Liberty Township is also in agreement to close the road as well.

Mathis stated this matter would be put on the Agenda for a vote next week.

Old Business

Katlyn Lambert - Bootheel Regional Planning Commission was not available today to update the Commission on ARPA Funding.

Stars & Stripes Museum

Jim Tweety, Attorney at Law, has given back the paperwork to the Commission and they are now ready to give to Stars & Stripes Museum  the property requested.

Motion to deed 7 acres of property to the Stars & Stripes Museum/Library Association, Inc. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

Bloomfield Assistance League of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery

Motion to deed 40 acres property to the Bloomfield Assistance League of the Veterans Cemetery, Inc. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.  The land can be dedicated to the State of Missouri after five years so the Veterans Cemetery can bury veterans on that land.  If not, after five years, the land will revert back to the Stoddard County Commission.

Stoddard County Children's Home - Old Location in Bloomfield

Jim Tweedy, Attorney at Law, who serves on the board of the Children's Home had made an earlier request to have the old building and grounds deeded to the Children's Home.  

Motion to deed the Stoddard County Children's Home - Old Location to the Stoddard County Children's Home, Inc. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.  The County owned the home and the property, but not the garage and the property next to the home.  The Children's home already owned the land the garage was built upon.

Jim Martin, Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation

Commissioner Greg Mathis asked, "Is there a motion to dedicate $600 per quarter to Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation. He called for a motion twice. Hearing no motion the motion has died.

Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management Director

The EMPG Grant cycle began in July 2023.  The State of Missouri received cuts from FEMA.  There were 110 Applications received and 104 applications were eligible.  Bishop's original application totals were $36,882.17 with a federal match of $36,882.17 and a local match of $73,764.34.  The new Revised Application Totals are $24,061.21 with a federal match of $24,061.21 and a local match of $48,122.42.

Budget Breakdown (Federal Match Shown):

Salary - $23,360.40 Original Application, $23,360.40 Revised Application - No Change

Benefits - $8,786.77 Original Application, $700.81 Revised Application - $8,085.96 Match Deduction

EOC Supplies/Operating Expenses - $3,385.00 Original Application, $0.00 Revised Application - $3,385.00 Match Deduction

Travel/Fuel - $1,350.00 Original Application, $0.00 Revised Application - $1,350.00 Match Deduction

Total Match Deduction due to Budget Cuts - $12,820.96.

Other Business

Motion to upgrade the 2024 for EverBridge Contract for Emergency Management Notification made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.  The cost was under the limit requiring a bid; therefore Mr. Bishop can move forward updating the text alert system.

Motion for the Stoddard County Commissioner to to sign the ARPA agreement contract and procurement agreement with the Stoddard County EMA made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the August 2023 Adds/Abates from Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the minutes from Tuesday, September 5, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the minutes from closed session meeting from Wednesday, September 6, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to enter into closed session at 10:59 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.