The Stoddard County Commissioners' meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

Duck Creek Township

Doug Lowery was asking about the ARPA monies and in need of a bridge repaired. " We have three families that have built homes just past the bridge," stated Lowery.

"We had to cut some folks when we discovered an error.  We have about $188,000 available, but we are not committing to anyone at this time until we see where we are," stated Mathis.

Clarence Smith, President of Water District #4

"We were turned down for some funds earlier and since there is $188,000 available and we would like to put our name in the hat if there is a hat available," stated Smith.

"We have an urgent need for a computer and are desperately in need of replacing our computer," continued Smith. "We still have a few problems, but we are fixing leaks as they occur."

"No decision will be made on how to allocate these particular ARPA funds until after the first of the year," stated Mathis.

Williams Dowdy, Stoddard County Maintenance

"We counted existing phones throughout, but we did not count phone jacks as they were unoccupied.  The reason for this was the number of licenses needed.  Fast forward to now we have added people and now we have maxed out and we need to expand the system.  We have to buy a license for each data card and each card covers a certain number of extension lines.  The phone system was put in about three years ago.  We need to expand this system," stated Dowdy. "The cost from SEMO Technologies would be  $2,671.84 for about 24 lines to be added to the buildings."

Update on the County Courthouse Clock

After texting the owner of S&N Clock Repair, the owner stated they were scheduled to come on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  This has been an ongoing process for almost three years to get the clock repaired.

We have been a tough time to get down there, but we are scheduled to be down there on Thursday and I will book some time all next week to get everything done.  I have the wiring and the motors done and just need to pick up a relay and it should be striking by the end of the next week.  Set a completion date of November 3, 2023. S&N Clock owned by Sean Barnes put in a quote of $5,000 on October 26, 2021 to repair the clock and then annually $800 to maintain the clock each year.  This was voted on by the previous Commission.

Also the roof has some issues with the rain.  Mathis said this a process that will need to be bid out as the only quote received was from R.L. Persons Construction at a cost of $120,998.00.  

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

"It is tax season a said due to the number of people coming in we have added some part time staff," stated Speakman.  "Signs for the 30 minute parking to be placed in the front of the building, Probably the first week of November and then again in December to help people being able to park close to the building"

"I think we can send out a mass email to the employees not to park on the east side of the government building and along the west of the building and in front of the building"

We implemented a new program/tool in the Collector's office called ENGAGE, so if a taxpayer calls in and can't pay by coming in we can send a text alert to their phone with a link and then they can pay.  They can pay online, debit/credit card or come in and pay," continued Speakman.

There were no minutes available at the moment for the October 16, 2023 meeting for open and closed.  The Commission should have available next week.

CERF Annual Contribution Election 2023

Effective January 2, 2002, an additional 4% of compensation was required on behalf of employees hired on or after February 25, 2002, to be directed to CERF.

Motion to accept the CERF Annual Contribution and everything will be the same through the 2024 year made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted and motion passed.

Motion to move into closed session made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell at 10:47 p.m.  All three voted yes and motion passed.