2022 Stoddard County Coroner's report.
"While not a requirement for the office, I plan to continue releasing this report annually to keep the public informed and provide transparency."
"I would like to say thank you to our Stoddard County Funeral homes, Mathis Funeral Home, Watkins Funeral Home, and Morgan Funeral Home for their assistance and professionalism. I would also like to thank all of our county first responders for their assistance."
While there are never any positives in a report like this, it is encouraging that our county did not have a homicide in 2022. It is also important to note that suicides were down nearly 75% from 2021. I will continue to encourage mental health and suicide awareness in hopes that number will someday be 0.
The Coroner's office is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Have a safe and blessed 2023
Sincerely,
Brent Stidham, Stoddard County Coroner
2022 budget information Total budgeted: $73,022.85
Total actual: $61,792.00
2022 case information
The following information is in regards to Coroner’s Office cases only and does not include deaths occurring under the care of a physician such as hospice.
Total cases investigated and certified by the Coroner’s office: 105 Scene responses: 78
Natural Causes: 86
COVID-19: 2
Homicide: 0
Suicide: 3
Motor vehicle accident: 4 Overdose: 4
Accident (drowning): 1 Accident (other): 2 Cases pending: 3
Age groups
0-18: 3
19-45: 9
46-70: 49
70 and over: 44
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the Special Session Meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
At the meeting Mr. Mathis and Commissioner Carol Jarrell are slated to interview seven candidates. Each candidate will have an opportunity to speak for 15 minutes.
After the appointment by The Commission, the Governor will then have 60 days to finalize the appointment or choose a Commissioner on his own.
Below is the Missouri State Statute on how to fill vacancies for Commissioners.
"105.030. Vacancies, how filled. — Whenever any vacancy, caused in any manner or by any means whatsoever, occurs or exists in any state or county office originally filled by election of the people, other than in the offices of lieutenant governor, state senator or representative, sheriff, or recorder of deeds in the city of St. Louis, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the governor except that when a vacancy occurs in the office of county assessor after a general election at which a person other than the incumbent has been elected, the person so elected shall be appointed to fill the remainder of the unexpired term; and the person appointed after duly qualifying and entering upon the discharge of his duties under the appointment shall continue in office until the first Monday in January next following the first ensuing general election, at which general election a person shall be elected to fill the unexpired portion of the term, or for the ensuing regular term, as the case may be, and the person so elected shall enter upon the discharge of the duties of the office the first Monday in January next following his election, except that when the term to be filled begins on any day other than the first Monday in January, the appointee of the governor shall be entitled to hold the office until such other date. This section shall not apply to vacancies in county offices in any county which has adopted a charter for its own government under Section 18, Article VI of the Constitution. Any vacancy in the office of recorder of deeds in the city of St. Louis shall be filled by appointment by the mayor of that city."
Mr. Mathis handed out a letter from Kyle Aubuchon stating how the county office vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment. Mr. Aubuchon is aware that the Commission is fielding questions from citizens who are interested in applying for the office. An online application must also be filled out as well. Both the Central Committees may also recommend candidates as well.
Candidates are CD Stewart, Lori Thrower, David Cooper, Greg Lintz, Chad Payne, Logan Lowery, Shannon Sisson, and Steve Hunott
"One candidate stated that there has been a decline in the representation of how the Commissioners worked together. Lots of problems over the past couple of years. I just had a lot of concerns and comments from courthouse staff and they just need good leadership."
Mr. Mathis and Mrs. Carroll will announce their decision today and then a swearing in ceremony will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 9 a.m. The ShowMe Times will be notified today by phone from Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. The announcement will be posted on Facebook.
Update: at 3:00 p.m. today.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to appoint Greg Lintz as District 1 Commissioner. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn at 12:51 p.m. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
The Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the government building located in Bloomfield, MO. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis was sworn in by Judge Satterfield on December 31, 2022. He submitted the documentation to Pam Wheeler Chief Deputy Clerk.
"I thank those who were elected as they were soon in on Friday morning." commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "My family takes a vacation after Christmas to allow our employees to be with their families. I was unable to attend the swearing in so I had Judge Satterfield meet me at my office and he swore me in on December 31, 2022."
"Over the past four years the operations with the county governments have changed tremendously from when I was in office," stated Mathis. " There are office holders who I hadn't worked with in the past are going to have to get used to me because I won't govern the same styles as Danny Talkington.
"And I got to get used to the style of the office holders that I will have to work with as well," continued Mathis. "It is my belief that the business of our county governments and businesses in an open public dialogue, the media should have access to whatever information they need in order to write the story which will effectively inform our county citizens as to what's happening with our tax dollars in Stoddard County. That being the case, Miss Loflin, you are the queen of Sunshine Law requests. That being said, I hear about it, so the information comes up and you need help getting something you call me and we will go from there."
"I believe in transparency is the foundation for effective government. That's going to be our motto as we go forward," Mathis said. "I certainly hope that anyone, citizens or office holders, that have any questions that may come to me with a direct question, likewise, I will do the same. We will again, try to keep an open dialogue for everyone."
"General revenue is at an all time high. Stoddard County is in a very good place financially. A lot of good fortune from that general revenue has come on the backs of taxpayers who are paying sales tax on goods and services that have gone up some 20 to 25% due to inflation," stated Mathis. "I don't believe that the increase in sales tax revenue that funds county government has based on consumer confidence through our economy being better off than it was years ago through the purchase of stock markets."
"I want to make sure our infrastructure is in place, whether it be rural bridges, internet, making sure our children still have an opportunity to go to school in a safe environment. We are going to take care of our buildings and grounds. As far as the budget, we will be responsible and monies will be spent in a manner that citizens are Stoddard County deserve."
"If there are no questions, moving on." Commissioner Steve Jordan has been removed from office from a judgement by the honorable Joshua Underwood.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell made a motion to have a Special Session Meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to interview and appoint a Commissioner to replace Jordan. Seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Both voted yes and it passed.
Mathis asked if Cecil Weeks would notify the Governor of their intentions and per State Statute 105.030 Vacancies, how filled - "The County Commission of all nonstarter counties shall, no later than fourteen (14) days after the occurrence of the vacancy, fill the vacancy by appointment, and the person so appointed by the county commission, after full qualifying and entering upon the discharge of hie or her duties under Thea appointment, shall continue in office until the Governor fills the vacancy by appointment under subsection 1 of the section or until the vacancy is filled by operation of another provision of law."
The Commission has at least seven individuals that are interested in getting the appointment.
Cecil Weeks, County Clerk, also told the Commissioners that they could appoint an Associate Commissioner for the 14 days. Weeks also said that the "job" will be posted today to the Governor's Website. They will take applications online for the position. It may take until mid-February for the Governor to appoint someone. The Governor's office will also send an email to Weeks office to clarify all the requirements for the Associate Commissioner position.
Update on the Employee Health Insurance
Commissioner Jarrell updated with regards to the Health Insurance. She stated the in-network and out-of-network deductibles, the maximum out-of-pocket expenses, and the total cost of the premium per person to the County at $776.21. She spoke to Mr. McCarty on Friday and he said that we basically have the same insurance as last year with Mr. Billington. "So I am still unclear about everything he doesn't give direct answers from the questions I ask. There were retirement questions and COBRA questions."
Mr. McCarty said the employees would receive an email with their temporary insurance card; however the email was sent to Pam Wheeler who printed them out and gave to the departments. Mrs. Wheeler stated that several were wrong and that they were coming in to let her know.
Mathis asked who we had the County's property and vehicle insurance with locally. Weeks stated County Wide Insurance was the broker and Traveler's Insurance was who they had it with and that there were some claims out there, but that would be a private matter between Weeks and Mathis and not for open Commission meeting.
Commissioner asked if the County had a salary structure for beginning employees. It was stated that the amount was $16.05; however there was nothing ever voted on in a Commissioner meeting nor in any previous minutes.
Devin Miller from the Shelter Workshop was in attendance and gave an update. "We are making extensive renovations at the Workshop and upgrading the warehouse. This has not impacted the operation out there, just the construction has been delayed due to rain and snow issues," commented Miller.
Ms. Loflin, ShowMe Times, asked if the Commissioners would look into Duck Creek Township and their paving project grant. Talkington was supposed to sign off on the grant; however according to Doug Lowery at a previous meeting this had not happened yet and they lost their grant because of a missed deadline. Mathis will get with Katelyn Lambert at Bootheel Regional Planning Commission and dive into the matter.
Mr. Mathis discussed a citizen's personal property tax delinquent information with Mr. Josh Spearman, County Collector. No names were mentioned, but neither have the statutory authority to relieve the debt or the additional fines unless there was an error or omission. It is set by the state of Missouri.
Commissioner Conference for March 1st, 2nd and 3rd at Osage Beach, Missouri. Commissioners are required to attend or lose $1,000 of their pay.
ARPA Fund Updates
Presiding Commissioner Mathis stated he will get with Katylyn Lambert at the. BRPC and see what monies have been promised, allocated, and distributed.
William Dowdy, County maintenance, stated that they have been working on a generator project for some time now. He had asked the old generator be moved from the Sheriff's dept over here and then purchase one for the Sheriff's dept. The plan was not to purchase two generators, but to move one and purchase one. "There was some monies coming back to the County to purchase this new generator, but we are in standby mode in delivery and not sure of a timeline," stated Dowdy.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from December 27, 2022. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes and passed without prejudice.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from December 30, 2022. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes and passed without prejudice.
Sawyer Smith, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney and Justin Allen, Stoddard County Investigator, both stepped in for a few moment to attend the meeting and wanted to say hello to the Commission. Smith had to be in court in Stoddard and Butler counties today, but wanted to wish everyone a happy new year.
Mathis asked about the new locks being changed over the holiday weekend and not done during the week.. Smith stated it was a dire emergency to change the locks out since he took over at 12:01 a.m. January 1st. "Not all the keys were transitioned to us over the weekend so I had to change the locks." He didn't want anyone to have access to their computers and files. Smith stated that the office was left an absolute wreck and there was some damage to the walks so it needed a fresh coat of paint. Also one vehicle that the previous PA used had a flat tire and is currently not functional.
Mathis reminded Smith that the County Commissioners were in charge of building and grounds. Any painting, moving of furniture out, and changing locks must be approved by The Commission and there are protocols in place to remove furniture from inventory, or adding to inventory and others who will need a master key such as maintenance. Mathis also said we need to use our local locksmith and not one outside of the county, so in the future go through the County Commissioners.
City of Bernie water was briefly discussed as there have been many complaints on Facebook and to various people. Commissioner Jarrell reached out to Mayor Tillman. He stated that they were waiting on a USDA Grant. Jarrell offered him information on a CDBG Grant thru the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission in the amount of $750,000 as well as ARPA Funds that were still available. According to Justin Allen, the city did get a Bond passed about two years ago for water projects. Currently some of the city residents are experienced "brown" water.
There will be a city council meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn at 12:03 p.m. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes and passed without prejudice.
The Stoddard County Commissioners met one last time for the year on Friday, December 30, 2022.
The most important duty of the day was to finalize the budge adjustments for the 2022 year.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell made a motion to approve the certified copy of order for the Budge Adjustments for December 30, 2022. Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes and it passed.
Intangible Tax Fund
Expenditures +20.777.10 Reason: Higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
General School Fund
Expenditures +70,292.71 Reason: Higher amount of fines disbursed - offset by revenue
Tax Sale Surplus Fund
Expenditures +47,138.56 Reason: Higher amount of tax sale - offset by revenue.
Pros Atty Administrator’s Fund
Expenditures +23,237.28 Reason: Higher amount of expenditures - funds earned from prior year.
Sheriff Civil Process Fund
Expenditures +2,474.69 - Reason: Higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
Commercial Property Surcharge
Expenditures +5,264.71 Reason: Surcharge distribution higher than anticipated - offset by revenue.
Inmate Security Fund
Expenditures +472.82 Reason: Higher amount of inmate security - offset by revenue
Victim Advocate Fund
Expenditures +3,787.28 Reason: Higher amount of expenditures - Funds carried from prior year.
C.A.R.T.
Expenditures +65,114.87 Reason: Higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
Election Security Grant
Expenditures +11,191.01 Reason: New fund added due to federal security funding for County Clerk for Elections
When asked about the County’s health insurance update. Talkington stated that the next Presiding Commissioner would deal with the final contract. Employees have been given paper copies of their insurance card for the time being.
There were no minutes to approve from the previous meeting on December 27, 2022. The new Commission would have to approve those minutes as well as today’s minutes.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn at 12:28 p.m. Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
The Stoddard County Commissioners held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the Government Building.
Doug Lowery attended the meeting on behalf of the Duck Creek Township on the grant funding with Bootheel Regional Planning Commission. Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington will get with Katelyn Lambert, BRPC, to see if there are any updates.
Colter Gabler, Smith & Company Engineering had a change order for a culvert on County Road 760 as it needs to be replaced. Both Commissioners signed the order.
Russ Oliver, Prosecuting Attorney for Stoddard County, dropped off a request to purchase a table, some storage items, and his computer.
"There will be two additional meetings following Christmas before the end of the year," commented Talkington. One regular meeting on Tuesday, December 27th at 9:00 a.m. the other meeting will be a meeting on Friday for any additional budget changes, time will be announced later.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell made a motion to take the interest income on the ARPA funds to be added to the ARPA funds as a line item from the General Revenue. Commissioner Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
Greg Mathis, new Presiding Commissioner, dropped in. He had been to see Cecil Weeks, County Clerk, and asked if he could use one of his employees to take the minutes for the Commissioners in 2023. He said that Weeks would provide someone. He also invited him to attend meetings, it is up to Weeks as to whether he attends or not.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2022. Commissioner Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
Here are the minutes from that meeting:
Visitors: Kay Asbell - Recorder, Dee Loflin - ShowMe Times, Josh Ayers - Dexter Statesman, Josh Speakman - Collector, Matthew Dowdy - Citizen, Katelyn Lambert - BRPC, and Tiffany Belcher - BRPC.
Associate Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to award the 2022 single audit to Devereux & Company CPAs & Business Advisors for $17,500. Passed
Associate Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the revised minutes for November 21, 2022 to state the audit bids to be submitted by Friday 12/9/22 at 4:00 p.m. Passed
Associate Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes for December 5, 2022. Passed
Associate Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn. Passed
Gary Snider, citizen, entered the meeting to discuss his concerns about the clean-out of Ditch #14. He says if we get heavy rain it floods the area. Commissioner Talkington gave him a list of board members to contact.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn at 11:37 a.m. Commissioner Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
