The Stoddard County Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the agriculture community, the county office holders, employees and for those who lost their lives on September 11th and their families who will be remembering the ones they lost.

Upcoming Events

MINGO Open House is Friday, September 13, 2024

Tuesday, September 17th Stoddard County Fair Parade kicks off

Doug Lowery - Duck Creek Township

"Any direction on township with FEMA?" asked Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

"We actually have a meeting with a FEMA representative to go over things with Duck Creek Township," stated Lowery. "She asked about damages and how much money we were out over the phone."

John Fisher with the New Madrid County Family Resource Center and Southeast Diaper Bank

Proclamation Signing

The Stoddard County Commission meeting began at 9:08 a.m. with a Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

First on the Agenda on Tuesday, September 3rd was the Ambulance District and the fact they had money reserved for them in ARPA, but have not spent it.  There was approximately $8,000 reserved for them in 2022 for laptops. They have now requested $5,111.05 for their air purification system.  They changed their request from computers that were originally approved by the previous Commission to an air purification system approved by the current Commission.  The ambulance district will not be using about $3,698.00 and this amount will go back into the ARPA funds for other entities.

Motion to approve the payment for their ARPA Request in the amount of $5,111.05 for the Stoddard County Ambulance District (All paperwork is in order) made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

New Business

Clarence Smith, Water District #4

"I have a price for the computers and the printer to request from the ARPA funds," stated Smith. "One is for $4,110. and the other is $1,073 and I am asking for the Commission to  disperse funds to reimburse these expenses."

Mathis stated he would get with Katelyn Lambert at BRPC and see about what we can do.  "We have about $110,000 left in ARPA funds to disperse at the present time and we need to have them committed by the end of the year.."

AREA Interests

MINGO will have their open house on September 13th at 10:00 a.m.

Stoddard County Fair begins September 17th with the parade at 5:30 p.m.

Castor Township Tax Hearing 6 p.m. No change in the tax rate.

Republic Service Open House September 27th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. with tours and food.

Employee Unused Vacation Policy for Employees

"If you did not use your vacation time you lost it," stated Mathis. "Then two years ago the Commission changed it to the employees could request it two weeks prior to their anniversary date.

"It's not fair to the employees because the employees have failed to ask for it," Mathis said.  "Office holders have failed to communicate the new policy change, some employees have requested it after their anniversary date then we as a Commission have to deny it.  The policy the way it was written was not working out in my opinion.  Not everyone knew of the policy."

Motion to change and update the Unused Vacation Policy to be that the employees will receive their unused vacation time at the anniversary date without having to ask for it made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

In the opinion of this reporter the easiest way to inform all employees as to any policy change within a company is to have each employee sign-off that they have received a copy of the new policy and therefore all employees are made aware of the policy change going forward. 

Motion to go back and pay employees for any unused vacation for the year 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Change in Overtime Policy for Law Enforcement

The Commission discussed in Closed Session the Public Safety Overtime Policy and voted 3-0 to change the handbook and policy.

The new county policy for public safety employee (Dispatch, Jail, Patrol) assigned to work 12 hour shifts will be compensated at 1.5 hourly rate after 84 hours in 14-day work period.  Anyone working 8 or 10 hour shifts will be compensated 1.5 times hourly rate at the 40 hour a week policy.  When working 12 hour shifts you work 36 hours one week then 48 hours the next week which would equal the 84 hours at regular time and not be paid any overtime until after 84 hours. 

Work Period Provision - The FLSA also provides a partial exemption from overtime pay requirements for police officers employed on a work period basis.  A public employer has the option of basing overtime on a work period rather than the 40 hour work week.  This alternative work period is a pre-established and regular recurring period of at least seven but less than 28 consecutive days (29 C.F.R. 553.201).  The length of the work period determines the number of hours after which the police officer is due overtime.  Overtime compensation is required when the ratio of the number of hours worked to the number of days in the work period exceeds the ratio of 171 hours to 28 days (29 C.F.R. 553.230).

No motion was made in regular open session requiring the policy change.  The Closes Session vote stands.

In the opinion of this reporter this subject should have been discussed in Open Session for the public and media to hear and is in direct violation of the Sunshine Law pursuant to MO State Statute 610.021, closed meeting and closed records authorized.

Bridge Replacements

Colter Gaebler with Smith & Co. Engineering sent paperwork to be signed with regards to Co. Road 766 Bridge Project and right away acquisition.  Colter now has all documents signed.  They are ready to move forward with that project and wanting the Commision to sign off and get the funds allocated.  Motion to approve the right away certification statement for Stoddard County Road 766 bridge project made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted and motion passed.

Motion to sign the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Supplemental Agreement #1 BRO-R103(076) for Bridge No. 1960010 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.  This document pertains to County Road 766.

Motion to sign the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Off-system Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Supplemental Agreement #1 BRO-R103(75) for Bridge No. 22-2210021 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.  The document pertains to County Road 752.

Trees Around the Courthouse

"We put out a bid and Wright Tree Service did it the last time," William Dowdy, maintenance supervisor stated. "They are Bradford Pairs and there is some type of native tree exchange, but I can check into it."

Heating Unit

"Heating season is coming and we haven't done anything with Roof Top Unit #3," Dowdy commented. "It may break and not work at any time."

Liability and Property Insurance

Commissioner Stewart stated, "I am flexible if we can't get a separate bid then we can just get down to services."

Commissioner Jarrell state, " I would like to stay with what we have.  Mr. Hedrick and his group.  They are local and he already looks each year for the best price."

Motion to seek a Request for Qualification for a Broker for Property and Liability Insurance.  No motion was made the motion died.

Motion to seek bids for Property and Liability Insurance through an agent made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Mathis stated that they will have a legal notice typed up and ready to approve on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Commission meeting.  The Bid Opening will be November 4, 2024 at 10 a.m.  during the Commission meeting.

"What is the difference between a broker and an agent for insurance in this case," asked Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times. "Only Hedrick and his group can get a quote from Traveler's Insurance, correct?"  Stewart stated that is correct.  There are only three companies willing to insure the County due to the size of the jail and previous claims.  Now an agent can put in a quote for the other two that he/she might represent.

SB40 Board Member

Senate Bill 40 for a Board Member notice was not in the Dexter Statesman so the Commission has changed the date to September 16th as the deadline.  Mathis noted it should be in the paper this week and next week.  Peter Coutavas has submitted a letter of intent to serve on the SB40 Board.  According to Commissioner C.D. Stewart, Herman Morse has given a verbal to Wayne Jean that he is interested in being on the board.

Johnson Grass Board

Two people put in their names to be on the Johnson Grass Board. Doug Lowery of Puxico and Dee Loflin of Dexter both requested in writing to be on the Johnson Grass Board. 

Mathis stated he would not vote for Dee Loflin because she is media and the other board members would be concerned with what could be said and printed in a paper. It is noted the board has never met or at least not met in years.  It is also noted that all meetings would be open to the public and the media.  Closes session to media would only be if litigation/lawsuit involving the Johnson Grass Board or personnel issues which they have zero employees.  Therefore the press could be at those meetings. Both candidates are well qualified however.

Motion to appoint Doug Lowery on the Johnson Grass Board made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Other Business

John McCarty, with the health insurance, has requested to be here in person and go over the insurance in closed session.  Mathis stated that September 16th Mr. McCarty will be here to discuss health insurance claims in Closed Session at 11 a.m.

Motion to accept the regularly scheduled meeting minutes from August 26, 2024 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C. D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes from August 26, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

With no other business a motion to enter into Closed Session at 11:10 a.m. for Legal purposed according to Statute 610,021 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.  

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the regular Monday morning Commissioner meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for all Stoddard County citizens.

Motion to approve the August 12, 2024 regular session minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the August 12, 2024 closed session minutes made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.  No voting was done during closed session.

Peter Coutavas, City of Puxico Alderman

Coutavas talked about the 77th Annual V.F.W. Puxico Homecoming.  "The event went very well," commented Coutavas. " We had good weather and a tremendous amount of people came out and participated in the many events including the 5K Goat Run, Pageants, music, square dancing, the carnival, the Owl Calling contest, tractor show, car show, class reunions, and the parade.

Colter Gaebler, Smith & Co. Engineers

Bridge County Road 752 - "Will be replacing a pipe during the construction and raising the road," commented Gaebler.  "We have had zero success getting on to the property to get the easement.  We can't get in touch with the owners."  Mr. Gaebler is going out there after the meeting.  

"If we replace the guardrail the cost is about $5,000 - $10,000 on the top end.  The Commissioner would be responsible for 11% for a soft match," explained Gaebler.  

Commission Stewart asked about the width of the bridge so that farm equipment could cross. "I think we will be able to make it wide enough," Gaebler stated. "I think they can get a combine header over the top of the guard rail, it's maybe 24" off the ground."

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asked Mr. Gaebler to touch base with the Elk Township Board members since this bridge is in their area, especially if there are going to be any changes.

"We have never had any issues like this before, it is odd." stated Gabeler. "If we get this signed today it would be at least 6 weeks before we could get started.  I am sure all the bridge contractors are pretty busy, but we will have to bid this out."

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

Speakman spoke about the SB190 Senior Tax Credit as he is receiving applications for the tax credit.   This will not affect the 2024 taxes; however it will go in effect for the 2025 tax season.  The new application form will be on the Collector's website this week.

"I attended the summer board meeting for Missouri Association of Counties (MAC).  The big topic was the solar panels and MAC is developing a resolution to get things rolling on the solar panels," commented Speakman.

Tax Sale Auction is Monday at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Old Courthouse. 

Public Hearing Tax Levies  Hearing Opens at 10:00 a.m.

Motion to enter into the 2024 Public Hearing Tax Levies Session made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 1 Reformed at $1.50 per acre made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 7 at $1.00 per acre made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 13-33 set at 10% Maintenance Levy w/a $10.00 minimum made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 14 10% Maintenance Levy w/ a $10 minimum made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate for Drainange District No. 17 at 10% Maintenance Levy made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to set the tax rate Drainage District No. 19 at $2.50 per acre made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

In addition, a Public Hearing to set the 2024 Tax Levy for the Stoddard County SB40 Board.

Public Hearing Senate Bill SB40

"The building project at the Stoddard County workshop is about mid-way," commented Devin Miller, administrator of the Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop.  "We definitely do not want the tax levy lowered."

The Sheltered Workshop has 24 employees and operating a recycling service for five counties.  They also fulfill contracts with Allen Wire and DeWitt out of Sikeston, Missouri.

Miller stated his concerns about having the Sheltered Workshop having to "beg" or "ask" for monies that are already designated to go to the Worship through a tax.

Do you submit a budget to the SB40 Board and ask for "X" amount of dollars to get through the year," asked Commissioner Jarrell. "Do you have to ask at each meeting for money for a project?"

"We do receive a monthly check from SB40 only covers one part of a month of payroll. I do a budget based upon what they send us each month as per the contract.  If we do projects then we can ask for money," explained Miller. "But at the end of the day, if we did not have the Sheltered Workshop, we would not have the tax."

Brad Hubbard, Stoddard County Workshop Board Member, stated he can't get an answer as to how the Sheltered Workshop receives their money from the SB40 Board.  

According to the most recent audit stated that the SB40 had roughly $297,089 on hand in their bank account.  It is estimated they will receive approximately $487,000 this year.

"The Commission's job is not to tell the SB40 how to spend their monies; however it is our job to appoint board members and set the tax levy for the SB40 Board," stated Commissioner Mathis.

Motion to leave the SB40 2024 tax levy at .094 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed. 

Motion to enter back into regular session at 10:45 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management Director

"The teams that came in after the declaration was accounted and have gone door to door, talking to people especially those registered online for the FEMA assistance," commented Bishop.  "They were on the ground for two weeks and have now left the area.  They were very enthused that everyone was very nice."

"SBA and SEMA have been in town meeting with people at the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission building.  They have averaged about 7 people per day about 85 people so far in total.  They are available Monday - Friday and even on Saturday," commented Bishop.

"We had a debriefing where all the road districts and townships were invited to see if they had any unmet needs, five attended, Duck Creek, New Lisbon were two of the townships who came and have also asked for ARPA Funds from the Commission," stated Bishop. "Dimension Church on Business Highway 60 has also reached out and have filled out paperwork for assistance."

The Hazardous Mitigation Grant has opened up and right now at application time it is a 75/25 grant, but could move to be a 90/10 grant.  Bishop would like to add three more weather sirens in northern Bloomfield, Aquila and Advance areas.  Notice of Interest will need to be submitted by September 6, 2024 and then will be in for that grant cycle.  If the County isn't chosen for the grant then the notice of interest is on file for two years.

Motion to approve the EMA Director to proceed with Application of Interest for three additional storm sirens made by Commission C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed. 

Alan Hedrick, Stafford and Stafford Insurance of Dexter

"We had discussion last week on Property Insurance and how we are going to proceed with finding the best property insurance quotes available," stated Commissioner Mathis. "We typically do this every four years."

"We are currently unaware of any issues or problems maintaining the insurance with the County," commented Hedrick.  "We meet at least once a year with Cecil Week's County Clerk to see if there is anything the County needs.  We also go to the markets each and every year and make sure your rates are viable and strong even though you all don't bid out but every four years."

"What I would really like to do is make my point to the fact that hopefully you will see the importance in our insurance agency and myself and how much we have vested in Stoddard County," continued Hedrick.  "We aren't just a local agency, but we are tied to professional insurance group and I am a professional insurance agent.  I continuously stay up on the issues and everything I can for you as Commissioners.  Your account is extremely important to you and we want to be there to help you now and in the future."

"We don't need to close our eyes to everyone out there," stated Commissioner Stewart. "I would be more interested on where we are on price.  Part of our obligation is to represent the whole county and get the best deal for them, to get the best price and what comes along with that.  We need to open it up to everyone."

"As long as I have been here you have done and excellent job," stated Commissioner Jarrell.  "You were around when no one would insure us and Traveler's was the only company that would take us on and that is when we changed to Traveler's.  Our loss ratio was higher at that time.  I like that you are local and we should shop local.  I like it that I can come down to your office and speak to you eyeball to eyeball and not get someone on the phone on the other side of the state."

"We will vote next week on moving forward to seek qualifications for a broker/agent," stated Mathis.    

Other Business:

On September 2nd the offices will be closed due to the Labor Day Holiday.  On September 3rd the Commission will meet at 9 a.m.

Mathis spoke to Chuck Kasting at Stoddard County Ambulance District and thinks he has everything he wanted so he may not use the ARPA funds.  Total was about $8,000.

The Commission is aware that the clock is no longer working again at the old courthouse.  The maintenance person who repaired the clock has been contacted.

Motion to adjourn at 11:52 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commission opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Mr. Greg Mathis, Presiding Commissioner.  He thanked the poll workers during the election as well as all the candidates who put their names in as well as those elected.

Mary Ann Williamson Letter

Mathis passed out a letter received from Mary Ann Williamson of Williamson Family Farms.  She stated that she had a very positive experience that she had with the EMA Director, Beaut Bishop, during a very difficult time that many Stoddard Countians faced on the May 26th with the tornado damage.  Their farm in Essex took a direct hit from the tornado that Sunday morning.  The tree and debris situation was overwhelming.  She reached out to Beau, who responded by coming to the farm to discuss with her what to expect in terms of help, timeframes, etc.  Beau coordinated with a volunteer church group from Cape Girardeau to come out and assist them.  They successfully removed a tree from a building as well as cleaned up as much debris as possible.  The group was profession and very supportive in attitude.  Beau was present during their work and she appreciated the hands-on attitude he displayed.  Special thanks to Beau Bishop for all his help during this time.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

"The small business administration is available along side FEMA," stated Lambert.  "We had a lot of the public come in on Friday.  They have also been going out to the people's homes to let them know they are available in the gym at the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission if any one has questions or needs assistance due to the tornado damage."

ARPA Funds Update:

"I have contacted just about everyone on the list of open projects," stated Lambert.  "Here are a few items that are still out to be addressed."

Water District #2 does have a request to draw down $4,894.35. Replacing meters and getting them up to date. 

Motion to pay $4,893.35 out of ARPA funds to Public Water District #2 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Water District #5 has the computer system in place, but the meters are not correctly reading just yet and were a little off.  Dave Cooper, president of Water District #5  won't pay anyone until it is working perfectly.

She has called SCAD several times and no one has come in.  Mathis will go directly to Chuck Kasting to find out why they have not returned her calls and not put in for the computers he asked for almost two years ago with ARPA funding.

Bell City Fire has signed the Procurement Letter for the sidewalk and concrete area.

Bernie Water Basin has selected a contractor and know they have to use prevailing wages.

City of Advance has been using the new sewer camera and they finally made a decision on which areas to hit with this project and have a map now.  Once finalized they can go out to bid.

Bloomfield Wastewater are in their 2nd stage of a CDBG hearing so we will know something soon.   

City of Essex - CDGB application submitted and should hear by the end of the year.  They could use the $50,000 on the streets if they do not get the grant as they have been turned down twice before.

Dudley Special Road District - They can go ahead and get the gravel. They have done the procurement as well.

Water District #6 needs to replace their meters and need $150,000 though there is not that much left in the ARPA Funds.  I am just letting you know and we are looking at other grants as well.

Stoddard County received $5,637,766.00.  By putting this money into money market accounts they have accumulated  $249,257.73 in interest.

"We need to get Beau in here and nail down the money distributed to the Townships for gravel that was washed away in May," stated Mathis.

Lambert also stated that the Full Board Meeting and Community Meeting for the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday to discuss what Grants available.  This meeting is open to only County and City employees,  Annual dinner to be finalized in October as well.

SB40 Board Member Vacancy

SB40 Board and recently appointed Patricia Holloway to the board and she is going to resign that position.  

Motion to place an ad in the paper for a board member for the SB40 Board made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The deadline is Monday, August 26th to apply for the SB40 Board.

New Business:

Pater Coutavas, IDA

"I have a discretionary fund of $40,000 that I can give to individuals throughout the county," commented Coutavas.  "I Distributed $100 to Ghost Cafe' for their BBQ Bash in the Park and $400 for a mixer.  I gave Wildflower Boutique $471 for a hat and shirt press machine to help with her business."

$35,000 towards to the Bloomfield Improvement Corporation loan to a person to purchase a building and will refurbish the building and rent it out.  This was a loan and will be paid back.

$22,900 to the Bloomfield Improvement Corporation to Townsend for a work-out gym

$750,000 for the hotel group and that went to the city of Dexter   

MoDOT Scenic By-Way Update

Presiding Commissioner Mathis emailed a Letter of Intent to Jennifer J. Hall, Outdoor Advertising Manager for the Missouri Department of Transportation in Springfield, MO office stating that Stoddard County Commission has an interest in the scenic by-way.   All the information will be gathered and there will be a public hearing at some point.  

"We just want more information on the scenic byway and in no way shape or form are we endorsing this project," stated Mathis.  

Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk's Office

Mr. Weeks passed out a voucher from Roper Excavating for work performed on Ditch 13-33 and Ditch #14 totaling $105,000.

Motion to pay Roper Excavating $14,117.65 for excavation and ditch work on Ditch 13-33 and Ditch #14 Draining District 13-33 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All there voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to authorizes payment to Roper Excavating $77,293.31 out of Ditch #14 funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to authorize payment to Roper Excavating in the amount of  $13,589.04 out of General Revenue fund for excavating of Ditch #13-33 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.   

Election Information

Election turn-out is usually about 30-35 % for the primary which is about the norm in Stoddard County.  6,078 total voters casted their ballots.  

"We hope to have everything certified today as we have had folks out of the office," commented Weeks.

Mathis questioned about people not being allowed to vote because they have become an invective voter because their mail was returned.   According to Weeks there were only two county wide with that issue.   

Blue Provisional Ballot - If you do not have a photo ID you can vote Blue Provision Ballots.  Then the resolution judges will verify signatures in order for the vote to count.

Yellow Provisional Ballot - Not in the voter registration system,the poll judge can't find their name.  Legitimate reason to remove is that you didn't vote in two general elections. There was only 6 yellow provisions ballots cast in the county.

Inactive Voter - Election mail will not be forwarded as it is the law.  If they have moved or canceled their P.O. Box their mail will be returned to the Clerk's office.  They have to keep their address up-to-date.  If they don't they will not be able to vote and the polls, but will have to come to the Clerk's office and update their address.

Commissioner Carol Jarrell and Statement About the Election

Commissioner Carol Jarrell thanked her Lord and Savior for giving her a good 16 years as a Commissioner for Stoddard County.  She thanked her family for standing beside her and supporting her.

"I want to thank the voters for 16 years of faith and trust," commented Jarrell. "I congratulate Mr. Wes Howard and feel he will serve the county well.  it has been such a prevue working with all the elected officials and employees.  We have a very strong county and proud and passionate about this county.  You, Greg, are the best presiding commissioner I have worked with and you serve the county well. It doesn't matter what color hat you wear.  It's been an honor to get to know you handiwork along side of you, referring to C.D. Stewart.  You are a great commissioner of your district.  Thank you Mr. Smith and Miss Dee for your continued coverage of our government. God closes one door, but opens another and I just appreciate all of you and thank you very much."

US Small Business Association -

Declaration in the State and the county has been included, FEMA and Small Business Administration. FEMA is short term and SBA long term and offers loans...two types of loans property damage and economic disaster loan for for small business for any expenses they may have like payroll, water, etc. 

Deadlines - September 23rd for physical damages.

Make sure that people are aware of these deadlines.

Re-bid the Property Insurance

"I know the gentleman from Higgenbottom came in and introduced himself.  I am assuming if we choose to bid this out we would do a bid to place in the newspapers." commented Mathis.

Weeks stated that there were only about three insurances that would cover counties with county jails.  At least that is what he had heard.  

"We will put this on next week's Agenda to discuss placing a bid for either insurance for property or brokers," commented Mathis.

Old Business:

Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from Monday, August 3, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the July 2024 Ads and Abates from Collector Josh Speakman made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith needed to enter into closed session at 1 p.m. ; however he needed to move that up to an earlier time.  

Motion to enter into closed session at 11:17 a.m. made by Commissioner C. D. Stewart, seconded by Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commission held their regularly scheduled Monday morning, July 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.  Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

New Business

Missouri Veteran's Cemetery via the Bloomfield Assistance League of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Inc. gave the County easement to the 40 acres owned by the County.  A document was filed by Mr. James R. Tweedy, Attorney, Bloomfield for a Deed for Easement.  The letter of the Deed for Easement was received by the Commission to be filed.

"The Dexter Veterinary Clinic has not received a check for the treatment of the K9 officer for the Sheriff's Dept and I would like approval to reissue the check," stated Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.  Motion made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commission C.D. Stewart.  The amount of the check was $950.81 which included a prior balance.

There was some discussion on the Districts and how they are divided in Stoddard County.  In a township form of government the districts have to be divided by townships and not a line by population.  

District 2 includes Elk Township and Liberty Township.  District 1 is all other townships in Stoddard County, Missouri.

Board of Appeals opened last week and will close next week by state statute according to Mathis.

No Excuse Absentee Voting begins on Wednesday, July 23, 2024 at the Stoddard County Clerk's Office from 8:30 - 4:30 Monday - Friday and the only Saturday before the election from 8 a.m.- Noon.

Judge Brad Jarrell Requesting Some Updates to Courtrooms

Judge Jarrell stated a lady in the courtroom slipped and fell from a chair with casters in Courtroom C where they do not have carpet.  "This courtroom is not conducive for rolling chairs," commented Jarrell. "It would be good to have carpet in that courtroom."

Also the carpet is in bad shape and ripping in Courtroom A and Courtroom B and needs to be replaced.  "We could go ahead and add carpet to Courtroom C," commented Jarrell. "We will take the casters off the chairs and put them in the jury boxes. and take those chairs and move to the courtroom areas.  That will help keep the chairs from moving and prevent future issues."

Other Business

Motion to accept the minutes from July 15, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the minutes from Tuesday, July 16, 2024 of the Board of Equalization made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

"There was a meeting set for August 5th to discuss the Scenic Byway and I don't think we are at this point yet and no need for the meeting yet," stated Commissioner Mathis.

The Commission has decided not to publish the three Johnson Board openings in the local newspaper.  "I will contact those and see if they want to stay on the board," stated Mathis. "There is no need at this time to publish the board opening."  The three people on the Johnson Board terms expired on December 31, 2023.

Motion to enter into Closed session for personnel issues at 11:03 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell at 11:03 a.m., seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.