The Stoddard County Commissioners met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the government building.
Stoddard County resident, Curt Finney, attended the meeting and asked who was in the charge of the Bell City Improvement Incorporation. Talkington stated he would get with Peter Coutavas, IDA Director, to find out and he would get back to Mr. Finney.
An update on the I-57 project was discussed. MoDOT has begun their study of interchange options from Sikeston to Morehouse. There will possibly be 5 interchanges between Sikeston and Dexter.
"Things are starting to progress, but will take time. Possibly two interchanges between Sikeston and Morehouse. MoDOT has applied for federal funding, but for whatever reason we haven't received much. This spring there will be a lot of working together between Arkansas and Missouri. Both states are kind of tied in together to make this happen. Arkansas has given us letters of support and we have given them letters as well," stated Bill Robison MoDOT Representative.
Dave Cooper, President of the Water District Board #5, also attended today's meeting. He asked about the ARPA funds requested. Commissioner Carol Jarrell gave him a copy of the request the Commissioners had received earlier. Cooper was just double checking on the ARPA funds that the Commissioners have available for water and sewer projects going forward as well. USDA loan/grant is no longer available to the Water District. Due to the instability of the finances the USDA is not willing to loan that money; however they can apply again in the future once they make some improvements..
"We have some substantial leaks in the area also," stated Cooper. "There is not much money to make the repairs of that magnitude; however with the Commissioners help we can make an impact."
Basically out of the last five years Cooper reviewed the financials of the water district, one year is missing, one year was in the black by $1,500 and the other three years were in the red.
"Would it be possible to apply for additional funds for future projects?" asked Cooper.
Commissioner Talkington said we put some money in reserve for something like this. I'm not sure we could fund the entire project, but you can still submit an application for funding.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from October 24, 2022. Talkington seconded the vote and both voted yes.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn and go into a work session with the new insurance broker at 10:43 a.m. Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
