The Stoddard County Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county and county employees.
Kenny LaRue is a concerned citizen
Greg Mathis contacted the Public Service Commission during the last Commission meeting and got some information. He asked about who notified the customers of Liberty Utilities of their increase in sewer rates effective March 1, 2025. He was told that the it was the responsibilities of Liberty Utilities to notify the public of the increase.
Mr. LaRue had several pages of information. "We believe we are being scammed by Liberty Utilities," stated LaRue. "They are a privately owned company and it's a money making thing. The rates were $34-$36 per month and now it has increased to $93 per month which is over $84,000 to take care of this water treatment plant per year, and not they will receive 2 million over 10 years in profit. This takes money away from Stoddard County and gives to Chicago, Illinois. It is costing $8 to dispose of $1 of water. I just can't believe it."
"If this is the new rate increase then $232,000 will be taken out of Stoddard County and moved to Chicago. It will cause our property values to go down and no one will buy a house as they will have to pay another $93.00 to flush their toilets," stated LaRue.
"Public Service Commission not very open," continued LaRue. "We would like to see a document from these appointed officials and should be responsible for their actions and what did they base this increase on."
Kari Standley, Clerk, City of Bloomfield - Proclamation to make May 4th - May 10th Local Government Week
Standley was not in attendance, but the Commission said they had no issue making May 4th - 10th as Local Government Week.
Moiton to sign the Local Government Week Proclamation for the city of Bloomfield made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
At 10:00 it was requested to have a meeting with Colter Gaebler with Smith & Co. Engineering to discuss bridge contracts.
Reconstruction Conference
Bridge 752 Project - Bridge is currently closed and will be closed until first week of September
Colter Gaebler will be Construction Manager on this project.
Keith Simpson, Keith Simpson Contracting will be the contractor and site foreman and was available at the Commission meeting. He stated it would be the second week of June to begin work on the bridge with a completion date of end of July.
Matt Wilkerson with MoDOT was also at the Commission meeting.
Bridge CR 766 Bridge Project - Bridge will be shut down from August 4, 2025 thru the first week of November 2025
The responsibilities of the engineers includes inspection with authority to require compliance to contract documents. Gaebler went over the contract for responsibilities of owner's governing body, of contractor, and any other agencies contributing to the this project. He made sure all law requirements were discussed such as EEOC requirements, wage rates, and an onsite job poster.
Andy Holden, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department
Allowing Mr. Holden to apply for for the Adoption of the Resolution 04/28/25 Blue Shield made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard. All three voted yes and motion yes. This resolution demonstrates the counties commitment to pubic safety and crime reduction. Mr. Holden will apply and once the application is approved will come back to the Commission for a photo opportunity and completion of the resolution.
SB40 Board Update
"It was a productive meeting; however none of us have talked about the SB40 to give any type of recommendation," stated Mathis.
"I felt pretty good." stated Stewart. " I thought it went really well."
"Once both sides aired out a little bit it was productive," commented Howard.
SB40 Meeting with Sheltered Workshop meeting minutes will be available next week. Mathis stated that minutes were taken during the meeting between all parties involved.
Other Business
Motion to pay city of Advance $149,673.63 from ARPA funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the Open Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2025 Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2025 made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to adjourn into closed session made at 11:04 a.m. for personnel made Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard. All three voted yes and motion passed.
