Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the family of Ryan McAllister who perished in an airplane crash, for all the law enforcement, office holders and their employees.
Reminder that the County offices will be closed on Wednesday for Juneteenth.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
Updated Excel sheet for the ARPA Funds was distributed to the Commissioners and media. "There's about $76,000 left," stated Lambert.
Steve Battles with Dudley Special District put out a bid for gravel, but did not get any bids. He is trying to get quotes now.
Katelyn introduced Cam Schlosser, intern at Bootheel Regional Planning Commission and great-nephew of Commissioner C.D. Stewart.
Senate Bill 190 for the Senior Tax Credit
Motion to adopt the Senior Citizen SB 190 that became law in the state of Missouri made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"We all realize this was a difficult decision; however many of the school officials are in Savanah, Georgia on a Sr. Beta trip," stated Cindy Crabb, Puxico Superintendent. "They could not be here today."
"Appreciate you all taking the time to listen to our side," stated Jason Karnes, Bloomfield Superintendent.
"We are the first county in Southeast Missouri to discuss this SB 190 bill and I felt like we did needed to address it," commented Commissioner Greg Mathis.
Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer will have to hire an individual in the Collector's office to oversee all the senior citizen tax credit including the research necessary for each individual to receive their credit. . This will cost the county about $75,000 total dollars including benefits, work comp insurance and salary, etc.
The ordinance will be written up and given to members of the media and to the superintendents of the school districts.
Speakman will create an application and will be approved at the next meeting. Applications will NOT be available for seniors until the Commission approves the Application and the deadline to apply will be June 30, 2025.
Motion to accept the Ordinance for Senate Bill 190/Propert Tax Relief for Seniors dated June 17, 2024 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Beau Bishop, EMA Director
On Sunday, May 26, 2024 a major storm hit the city of Dexter and parts of Stoddard County.
One Damage Assessment performed in Dudley - major
Four Damage Assessments performed in Essex - two major and two minor
Two Damage assessments Performed surrounding Dexter - two major
Dexter Fire Depart performed damage assessments in Dexter - 52 major, 128 minor
A major is considered when outside comes into a structure, like a tree puncturing a roof.
EMA RHSOC Generator Deployed to the City of Bernie to power the City Water Plant. this was within two hours of the city being completely without water. They deployed Sunday, May 26th at 1 p.m. and returned on Monday May 27th at noon.
"I was in contact with Penermon Village Mayor Chester Hill about their sewer system being down," stated Bishop. "I advised the EMA RHSOC Generator could be deployed to assist. Mr. Hill informed they would backlash their system which got them by until they had electricity the next morning."
Stoddard County Sheriff's Department asked to use the EMA Water stored in the basement of the Government Building. They took the water to Essex and made rounds handing out water to people that needed it. With the assistance of Dexter Chamber office, contact was made with Pepsi Marion and three pallets of new water was secured. One pallet was delivered to Bloomfield Fire Department for their use and two pallets replaced the water handed out and it is stored in the basement of the Government Building.
FME IA (Individual Assistance) Assessment performed on June 3, 2024. Present for the Assessment was FEMA, SEMA, SBA, Stoddard County EMA Director, and City of Dexter EMA Director Don Seymore. Preliminary numbers were: 58 homes surveyed, 24 major, 6 destroyed, 2 affected and 26 minor.
FEMA PA (Public Assistance) Assessment performed on June 6, 2024.Present for the Assessment was FEMA, SEMA, Stoddard County EMA Director, and City of Dexter EMA Director. Sites assessed were City of Dexter Street Department, Dexter East City Park, Stoddard County Fair Grounds, Sugar Plum Park, and two locations that the City of Dexter set up for debris burning.
Stoddard County EMA and City of Dexter EMA are still in contact with the State to bring in more Debris removal teams. Teams are slow getting here because of being deployed about the U.S. A lot of debris left is going to need specialized teams with bigger equipment.
MARC (Multi Agency Resource Center) was requested by Stoddard County EMA and City of Dexter EMA on Wednesday, May 29th. Resources were sourced and gathered by SEMA and the MARC was able to help at the City o fDexter East Park on Tuesday, June 11th. MARC served 107 households, 284 people, and 100 at the outside FOOD POD.
Special thanks to WW Wood for organizing and cleaning up the Debris in Dudley. Volunteers and Essex Special Road District for the clean-up effort in and around Essex. Liberty Township for the clean-up efforts in their township, and countless other organizations and residents for their help.
"SEMA and FEMA have not made their declarations yet for assistance. That will come in the next month I suspect," commented Bishop.
"I am moving forward to get with City of Dexter EMA Director Don Seymore to get teams in here to get trees cut up and the debris moved. Main priority and focus is to get more a more organized COAD and VOAD to make sure we are better prepared next time there is a bad storm or even an earthquake," stated Bishop.
Supplement Insurance Agent
"We had on the Agenda that a supplement insurance agent would be here today. I contacted the gentlemen and he will be at next week's meeting." stated Commissioner Mathis. Employees already have AFLAC with a local agent.
Water District #5
There is a precautionary boil water advisory. Water District #5 was able to cover the pipes and are monitoring. They will still have to repair the entrance to that pond on private property, but at least the water pipe repair has been made.
Other Business:
Motion to except the meeting minutes from June 3, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to except the meeting minutes from June 10, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Update SB40 Board of Resignation
The Commission received a letter regarding the SB 40 Board Resignation from Josh Hester. The Commission will need to publicize it in the newspaper for two weeks. There are three terms that expire June 30, 2024. Danny Griffin and Ray McLane both would like to renew their board spots. Herman Morse and Pat Holloway have requested to be on the board.
"Traditionally it has been placed in the Dexter Statesman," stated Commissioner Carol Jarrell. "There are three positions that will term on June 30, 2024. We will need to advertise for those positions."
Candy Collier, Stoddard County Recorder
"I would like to request money from the ARPA funds to convert some of our roll film and put on a Zip drive," stated Collier. "We have slowly got things backed up to 1975 and would like to continue and do it in stages.
The cost of this is $19,000 for five year of converting roll film to a Zip drive.
"Our documents go back to 1835 that we have available, just not on computer," commented Collier.
Reminder from Josh Speakman that the Land Sale will be in August 2024.
Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of personnel made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart at 11:09 a.m. seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission will make three appointments to the Senate Bill 40 Board for the terms ending on June 30, 2024.
Any and all interested individuals who would like to serve should send a letter of interest or a resume' to the Stoddard County Clerk's office, P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, MO 63825.
Deadline to submit is June 28, 2024.
A determination will be made after the deadline.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the regularly scheduled weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for all the emergency workers clearing storm damage, the sheriff's depart and their deputies, and the National Guard who are currently overseas protecting us.
Dave Cooper, Water District #5
"Our leaks started on Friday about 4:30 p.m.," commented Cooper. "We searched until 10 p.m. looking for this leak. About 7 a.m. on Saturday morning we starting looking again. We also consuleed with MO Rural Water."
"A slight detection in the creek and in the process found out it was in the creek," continued Cooper. "So they got excavators and such to clear the brush and get to the leak. They then used a 2 inch pipe, but it blew twice and effected people down stream. This is in the Sherwood Forest area. We are now going to use a 3" pipe."
This lead has effected six customers where the break is and they have been inconvenienced fro about 72 hours. Unfortunately on Sunday, the rains hampered the work efforts.
"Our plan as of last night (Sunday) is to bore underneath that creek and replace it with a 3" line and get a new type of part in Cape Girardeau today and repair the leak," stated Cooper.
"Financially we have been able to get our reserve up to around $50k and this one repair may take half of this," Cooper said. "If it had not been for your help with the ARPA funds this would have ended us as a water district."
Mathis suggested since we have cases of water left over from our recent donation from the tornado damage that water can be distributed to the area resident. He will contact Beau Bishop, Stoddard County EMA Director to get water to those families.
Water District #5 has recently hired an employee, Zach Carmack, and is doing maintenance and repairs for the district. Prior to his hiring there had been zero maintenance in the water district for years.
A boil water may be advised, but Cooper said they will post on Facebook. The Community has been very supportive and really haven't had any complaints.
Doug Lowery, Duck Creek Township
The Commission has asked the Townships if they had any road damage due to the recent storms and the Commission might be able to help using ARPA funds. Duck Creek Township has been hit hard with water damaging gravel roads. Lowery submitted a letter to the commission requesting $12,500 in ARPA funds to offset the major expenses of rock and hauling to repair the roads from the recent storms.
"We estimate expenses to be at least $30 to $35,000 dollars to repair 13 country roads with about 77 loads of gravel," stated Lowery.
The Commission also received a request from New Lisbon Township in the amount of $26,240 for ARPA funds to repair 18 county roads.
The Commissioners are waiting to see if any other township puts in a request for gravel before they approve these two requests.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
She stopped in to see if there was any new requests for ARPA funds. There were none except the two from the townships for gravel.
SB40 Board of Directors
A letter was received from Josh Hester that he has resigned from the SB40 Board of Directors.
Patty Holloway has been recommend to be on the board per Peter Coutavas, IDA Director.
The Commissioner did not make a decision as they may need to published the opening in the local paper first before appointing a new board member.
Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff and Andy Holden, Stoddard County Sheriff's Office Requesting Support for a Jail Navigator
Jason Cowell and Lucas Alday will start in August to the Law Enforcement Academy and will work for the Sheriff's Department for three years. They will complete the academy in December and have signed their contract to work at the sheriff's department as new deputies.
Seth Goins who just graduated is now on the road as a deputy and doing well at the Sheriff's Department.
"Jail Navigator works thru the mental Health Department and a lot of people we have in jail now have mental health issues," stated Carl Hefner.
"We are 1 of 5 Sheriff's offices up to get a Jail Navigator in southeast Missouri," stated Hefner. "We have the new facilities and the best in the area."
Hefner had a letter prepared requesting the Jail Navigator.
"As the County Commission of Stoddard County, we are writing this letter in support of a Jail Navigator being placed at the Stoddard County Jail in Bloomfield, Missouri. Our county jail has an average daily population of approximately 100 inmates. The County Commissioners believe that having a Jail Navigator to work directly with detainees within our jail will provide an opportunity to evaluate, support and provide mental health interventions services to offenders in a timely manner."
"According to Carl Hefner, the sheriff of Stoddard County, nearly 30% of citizens within our jail are affected by mental/behavioral health issues and lack the ability to properly manage the effects. Utilizing a trained mental health specialist in the position of Jail Navigator will not only be beneficial to the detainee, but society in general. This would allow a trusting relationship outside of law enforcement to be built and continued to ensure the best mental health outcome for individuals. In return this would hopefully result in a reduction of repeat offenders due to mental/behavioral health issues.
Against, as a county commission, we write in strong support of providing a Jail Navigator position within our county. The benefits that can be reached by providing proper mental health intervention are endless and in high need within our jail system."
Bootheel Counseling would provide the Jail Navigator services.
Motion to signs off on this letter of support of adding a Jail Navigator to the Stoddard County Jail made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Hefner stated he wanted to know why the ShowMe Times didn't put photos on Facebook of his people volunteering inside the city limits of Dexter after the storm damage occurred. Mrs. Loflin, owner of the ShowMe Times stated that she did not see his crew out on Ray Street and also asked why didn't he call her or text her to let her know there were photos on his Facebook page etc. Mrs. Loflin also stated she does not look at Facebook all day, but is constantly posting and working on the website. Any individual that wants to spotlight their accomplishments or promote an event should just call or text or email and she will post. She also further said she would go to the Sheriff's Facebook page and grab the photos and post during the meeting.
Hefner said, "We bought some extra chain saws and oil etc to use next time when and if this happens again. We were first on the ground in the city of Dexter cutting up trees and clearing streets. Our guys volunteered to help cut and clear limbs."
"t was a Sunday morning and I wasn't going to call people in, but they called me and jumped at the chance to volunteer their time and help those in need."
Hefner purchased $1,410.96 for equipment used during the storm recovery efforts.
Stoddard County Sheriff's Department delivered a truck load of water to residents of Penermon and Essex. Two more pallets were delivered to the County today and will be used for some of the folks without water in Water District #5.
The Stoddard County Sheriff is purchasing a new van and will need an insert for the back of the van to hold the inmates. A bid must be done therefore it will be placed in the newspaper with a bid opening date of July 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners office.
Other Business:
A cleaning individual has been hired for the Stoddard County offices and will begin on June 24, 2024.
Motion to approve the County Road 752 bridge replacement out of the BRO Program in the amount of $2,863.37 to Smith & Co. for engineering and design services made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion pays $4,540.01 to Smith & Co. for 766 bridge replacement out of the BRO Program made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"I have had quite a bit of input on SB190 with regards to Tax Cuts for the Elderly." commented Mathis.
"We will have a vote on the SB190 on Monday, June 17, 2024," Mathis said. Both Jarrell and Stewart were good with voting next week. If you have questions or input please contact your Commissioner as soon as possible.
Motion to amend June 3, 2024 minutes for a correction on the minutes from $35,000 to $3,500 for the city of Puxico for repeaters for their police cars. We will approve the minutes next week after the correction is made," stated Mathis. Motion by commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. Al three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the Adds and Abates for May 2024 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to close the meeting made at 11:43 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis began the regularly scheduled Stoddard County Commissioner meeting by leading an audience of about 20 people in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then prayed for those who were helping with getting the electricity back on, all those who helped cut down trees and ask that those who are currently unhappy receive patience and kindness. Also to the law enforcement officers, elected officials that they may do the will of the people.
SB190 Update/Information
Governor Parson signed into law Senate Bill No. 190 an act to repeal sections 143, 124, and 143.125 of the Missouri revised statutes to enact in lieu thereof three new sections relating to tax relief for seniors. No one will receive a refund or a check from the county collector.
Now that this law has passed, it will be the Stoddard County Commission to either accept this law or not per the language of the new law. Each County within the State of Missouri will choose to authorize a property tax credit to eligible taxpayers in their county.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting stated that the Stoddard County Commission is going to address this SB190. "We have 4 things we can do," stated Mathis.
1. "We as a Commission can do nothing."
2. "We can pass a resolution stating that we will not do anything right now and make a decision later. Personally I think this is gutless, in my opinion."
3. "We could require the citizens of Stoddard County to pass a petition by getting 5% of the registered voters to sign and then it would be put on the ballot for the public to vote on. Again. I think this is also gutless in my opinion."
4. Stoddard County Commission can pass an ordinance and accept the law as written.
"I am going to turn this meeting over to Josh Speakman as he has done the most research on this bill and has a good grasp of how it will be implemented."
Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer took the floor to explain the SB190
"If the Commission passes this the county will have to hire one employee to be dedicated to researching the information for each citizen that applies for this tax credit," stated Speakman. "The County will take the biggest hit of around $75,000 or more to hire a person and purchase necessary software to perform the job tasks."
Dexter School District would be second in line to take a hit as they rely on a portion of Personal Property Tax monies to fund them.
"We are asking for input today and we will not make a decision today," stated Mathis. "However we will make a decision in the next couple of week,"
Each political subdivision of the county will be impacted if the Commission chooses to pass an ordinance in favor of the SB190/SB756.
If the SB190 were to be passed by The Stoddard County Commission, then the entities that would be affected who rely on Personal Property Tax monies would lose revenue. Those entities are the State of Missouri, Stoddard County Ambulance District, Stoddard County Health Department, Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop, all schools including NMCC, Richland, Twin Rivers, Dexter, Bernie, Bloomfield, Bell City, Advance, Zalma, Puxico and Three Rivers College in Stoddard County, also the townships including Castor, Duck Creek, Elk, Liberty, New Lisbon, Pike and Richland. The Road & Bridge Districts made up of Castor, Duck Creek, Elk, Liberty, New Lisbon, Pike, Richland, Bluff Special, Dudley Special, Lavalle Special, Crowder-Zeta, Essex Special and Grayridge Special. Then each city will be affected including Bernie, Bell City, Bloomfield, Essex, Advance, and Dexter,
"For the first few years I don't think very many will sign up," commented Commissioner C.D. Stewart. "I think as it goes farther along more people will sign up for the tax credit."
Currently Jackson County, Greene County, and St. Louis County have all passed this into law in their county.
Dale Moreland representing Castor Township stated, "I don't feel the public is informed very well about this issue. People think their taxes are going to be forgiven and they are not."
Speakman stated that in reality most people would only benefit about on average of less than $100 each; however the more your home is valued at the more credit you would receive. Speakman used the commissioners as examples. Mr. Mathis would save $25 per year, Mrs. Jarrell about $50 per year and Mr. Stewart about $80 per year.
For example if you are 76 years old and have a house worth $100,000 you will receive a tax credit of less than $90. If they made improvements then research would have to be done on each individual and would be on a case by case basis.
Speakman went on to say that there was a program already in place for the elderly. The Missouri Property Tax Credit Program is out there for people over 65 years of age.
Advance Superintendent asked if the Commission anticipated of anyone seeking to try and put in a funding source to offset this credit? Mathis answer with a definite NO. Looking down the road we as the County Commission do not look to offset the this credit at this time.
ARPA Funding Update:
Motion to authorization $91,501.78 out of ARPA funds to Bell City Fire Department for their new facility made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
City of Puxico requested $3,500 for repeaters for the police department. At this time the Commission has decided to freeze new requests for ARPA spending due to the recent storm damage. No actual motion was made; however they all agreed at this time since funds are getting low.
Duck Creek and Castor are hauling a lot of gravel because of the recent storms washed out some roads. Mathis has not talked with Liberty Township yet, but would assume they may need gravel as well..
Other Business
Motion to accept the regular session meeting minutes from Tuesday, May 28, 2024 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Stewart voted yes, Jarrell abstained because she was not present at the meeting, Mathis voted yes. Motion passed.
Motion to adjourn at noon made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis started the meeting with the Pledge of Alligence and a prayer for the county officials, police, sheriff's dept and for the Bernie Lady Mules as they try to win a state championship in softball this week.
David Wyman, City of Dexter, Administrator
He introduced Lauren Hill as a new full-time employee for the city of Dexter. Her office will be located in city hall and tourism taxes will pay for her salary. Her title is Administrative Assistant - Tourism.
The Missouri Department of Tourism has grant money to help with advertising events within the community and to help promote certain events.
Motion to pass the Destination Marketing Organization Resolution to designate the city of Dexter as the official city for Stoddard County, Missouri made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Destination Marketing Organization Resolution so passed by the Stoddard County Commission
Whereas, City of Dexter, Missouri, a legitimate department, agency, or resprestative of Stoddard County, is engaged primarily in the marketing and promotion of tourism;
Whereas, this organization has shown and demonstrated evidence of its on-going tourism marketing activities and plans for promotion of Stoddard County; and
Whereas, this organization requires formal acknowledgement and recognition by the governing body of the county to become a qualified participant in the programs administered by the Missouri Division of Tourism:
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the city of Dexter, Missouri is hereby designated and recognized as the single representative organization to solicit and service tourism in Stoddard County for participation in the Missouri Division of Tourism's Marketing Matching Grant.
Cal-Main Foods Update
Late summer there will be a hiring push. Their egg production is coming this fall. They currently have 15 employees.
Missouri Department of Economic Development Letter sent to former Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington Received by Current Commissioners - Mr. Mathis has faxed the letter to Katelyn Lambert at Bootheel Regional Planning Commission to decide what is the next step.
SB40 Board Vacancy
There is a vacancy on the SB40 Board due to a member stepping down; however no letter of resignation has been received by the Commission. Mrs. Carol Jarrell explained that a letter of resignation would be needed before proceeding.
Tax Break for Seniors Update:
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis handed out an informative article from the St. Louis newspaper regarding the tax break for Missouri seniors. Commissioner Mathis asked Josh Speakman, Collector/Treasurer to discuss the tax break.
Other Business
Stoddard County offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 for the Memorial Day holiday and will have the Commission Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Motion to accept the Monday, May 13, 2024 minutes from the regular session made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis. Both Stewart and Mathis voted yes, Jarrell was absent from the previous meeting so she abstained from voting.
Motion to purchase a transport van out of the commissary fund for the Stoddard County Sheriff's Dept in the amount of $52,000 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed. The current van is not drivable and they have been using two officers and two other vehicles to commute the inmates.
Morion to adjourn at 11:53 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. Both voted yes as Mr. Mathis left early.
