Stoddard County Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

Old Business

SB40 Board - Peter Coutavas was the only person to submit a request to serve on the SB40 Board.   

Motion to appoint Peter Coutavas to the SB40 Board made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Janitorial Position at the Government Building - Letters of interests and resumes have been coming in.  Deadline was at 10 a.m.  Tuesday, October 15th to submit your requests for the position.  The Commissioner did not look at any of the letters of interests and resumes, but have. decided to put that off to the next meeting.

There was no discussion on the Generator being moved to the Justice Center.

New Business

Zach Secoy, an insurance broker, came in to discuss Property Insurance with the Commission.  He represents Arnold Insurance and Rinehart Insurance.

Arnold Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency of Keystone, is pleased to submit a copy of a proposal for Cape Girardeau County for the Commissioners to review.

“You all only have a few companies that are willing to take a shot at providing insurance,”  stated Secoy.  “There are about five insurance companies that can insure a municipality like yours because of the jail.” 

“We looked at two options, one was to look for a broker or look for insurance agency for pricing.  We are looking for pricing at this point,” stated Commissioner Mathis.

(Sidenote: the Commission voted to place a bid for "Property Insurance including buildings, personal property, and liability coverage. "). THE COMMISSION DID NOT PUT OUT A BID SEEKING BROKERS AT THIS TIME.  Sealed bids must be submitted by 10:00 am on December 9, 2024.  

“Travelers can do a ton of different things like updating an employee handbook and safety trainings, etc," continued Secoy.  "Are you using those services to the best of your ability to drive down that premium?”   The answer is no, the County is not utilizing training or updating the employee handbook to the best of their ability.

“Best to be on the broker side of seeking a new broker that can offer you those services.” stated Secoy.

Their current broker has on numerous occasions offered training and to help update the handbook.  The previous commission (Danny Talkington and Steve Jordan) as well as the current commission have opted not to utilize those services as of yet.

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

"Just wanted to remind everyone that tax bills are coming out the first of November.  If they have an address change they need to contact us.  January is when the penalties start."

"Also we have received a lot of SB190 applications as well and are going thru them."

There was some discuss between Commission C.D. Stewart and Speakman about Roper Excavating and ditch clean-up in Advance.

Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk

He reminded everyone that beginning on October 22, 2024 No Excuse Absentee voting begins. The Clerk's office will be open until 6 p.m. October 22nd - 25th and October 28th - November 1.  then on November 2nd they will be open until 5 p.m.   Also the Clerk's office will b open on Saturday, November 2nd from 8 a.m. - Noon for voting purposes.

Other Business:

Mr. Mathis stated he will not be at next Monday's meeting on October 21st, but will be out of town.

Motion to approve the open session meeting minutes from October 7, 2024 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commission had approved $40,000 to Dudley Special Road District from the ARPA funds.  $10,175.20 has been submitted for payment.  It was to purchase gravel.

Motion to pay $10,175.20 to the Dudley Special Road District from the ARPA funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion carried.

Mathis stated he received a text message request from Donnie Hovis, Jr. requesting a special meeting with the Commissioners. 

Motion to have a meeting in public session on Thursday, October 9 a.m. with Donnie Hovis made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to adjourn at 12:08 p.m made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Pictured is Zach Secoy passing out broker insurance information to Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.