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.
The Stoddard County Commissioners' opened their weekly meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to amend the meeting minutes (April 1, 2024) to add the letter of resignation from Bill Aslin to two boards made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Commissioner Carole Jarrell was not in attendance today.
Motion to amend the meeting minutes from three dates (March 25, 2024, April 1, 2024, and April 8, 2024) to place Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis name back as his name was left off the official meeting minutes for voting purposes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to amend the April 8, 2024 meeting minutes regarding Amy Haas' appointment to a board that her term will start July 1, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Other Business:
Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk
He will be moving the polling place in Puxico from the cafeteria to the FEMA building for the August 6th primary. This will be safer for the students who have to change classes and walk across the area where people are driving to park and enter the building to vote.
Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department
Seth Goins will be a full time sheriff's employee as a road deputy on May 21st. He just graduated from the Semo Law Enforcement Academy. His tuition was paid for by the GI Bill.
The sheriff would like to send another employee if possible and is seeking funds to cover the cost of tuition.
William Dowdy, Stoddard County Maintenance
The air conditioner in the IDA building is not performing well and they had some Freon put in; however it is still has a possible leak. The air conditioning unit is possibly 30+ years old.
Other Business:
Motion to accept the regular session meeting minutes from May 6, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes from May 6, 2024 made by Commissioner C.d. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to close the meeting at 11:46 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commissioner Meeting was held on Monday, May 6, 2024. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over Stoddard County, Missouri.
John McCarty - Employee Health Insurance Update
"The goal for your claims is typically 80%," stated McCarty. "This will keep you in the trend renewal. If you go over that then you are dipping into your claims fund. You ran 78% last year." stated McCarty.
"Here is the 1st Quarter Report. We watch these trends, but we always run a little behind on our report," commented McCarty. "January - March report you are running 123%. We are drastically over that 80%. We are spending more on claims than we want to see. We know what is causing this, but I can't talk about it in an open meeting."
"About 1/3 of the people seek out mental health/depression issues are actually doing that. Our group is drastically happier than what we are seeing in the state of Missouri, which means they are seeking out that help.."
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis said, "The. County is still putting more in the reserve than we are spending, so we should be in good shape."
"We have a very low deductible of $500," stated Mathis. "Do you think people are utilizing the insurance more because of that low deductible?" McCarty said, "No. You just have a few high claims in the first quarter."
"Stop loss is $35,000 for each employee with an aggregate in the policy as well. So if the employee's bills are $1 million the county will pay the $35,000 then the insurance company picks up the rest in theory."
There was more discussion about insurance, but basically the County is putting in more money than they are spending as they are self insured. They will take a look at the second quarter and see how the claims are proceeding.
Colton Gablear, Smith and Company Engineers
CR 766 Bridge Replacement for Stoddard County, MO March 2024 and CR 752 Bridge Replacement for Stoddard County, MO March 2024 update.
"We have a sub consultant working for us and getting right-away clearance, etc. Then we will be able to bid out the bridges. Might be August before we can bid out the bridges."
Audrain County, Missouri would like to sell $100,000 of Soft Match Credit for $.50 on the dollar to Stoddard County, Missouri. Cost would be $50,000.
Motion to approve the. purchase of $100,000 in Soft Match Credit from Audrain County (Mexico, MO) in the amount of $50,000. Made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
BRO Funds are set aside by MoDOT and can pay up to 89%, the County has to pay the last 11%. The County can purchase Soft Match Credit from other counties.
Motion to approve the certification of plans and estimates of BRO 103 076 Stoddard County Road 752 Bridge Replacement, Railroad Impact Statement and Letter of Certification of Utility Status made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the certification of plans and estimates of BRO R-103 075 Stoddard County Road Road 766 Bridge Replacement, Railroad Impact Statement and Letter of Certification of Utility Status made by Commission C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Treasure/Collector - SB 190 Update
The Commissioners will set a date for a forum to discuss SB 190 Senior Property Tax Credit on Monday, June 3, 2024. Letter to the school districts as well as put in the newspaper. The Commissioners will meet with the public, but will not make a decision on that particular day. They will review all the input from the public. Teachers and railroad employees are excluded.
Here is the SB 190 as written.
SS/SB 190 - This act modifies provisions relating to the taxation of seniors.
PROPERTY TAX CREDIT
This act authorizes a county to grant a property tax credit to eligible taxpayers residing in such county, provided such county has adopted an ordinance authorizing such credit, or a petition in support of such credit is delivered to the governing body of the county and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters, as described in the act.
Eligible taxpayers are defined as residents who: 1) are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits; 2) are the owner of record of or have a legal or equitable interest in a homestead; and 3) are liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead.
The amount of the property tax credit shall be equal to the difference between the real property tax liability on the homestead in a given year minus the real property tax liability on such homestead in the year in which the taxpayer became an eligible taxpayer.
A credit granted pursuant to this act shall be applied when calculating the eligible taxpayer's property tax liability for the tax year. The amount of the credit shall be noted on the statement of tax due sent to the eligible taxpayer by the county collector.
The amount of property tax credits authorized by a county pursuant to this act shall be considered tax revenue actually received by the county for the purposes of calculating property tax levies. (Section 137.1050)
This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 247 (2023) and is substantially similar to SB 715 (2022) and to a provision in SS/SCS/SB 133 (2023), as amended, SS/SB 540 (2023), as amended, and SS#2/SCS/SB 649 (2022).
RETIREMENT BENEFITS INCOME TAX DEDUCTION
Current law allows taxpayers with certain filing status and adjusted gross income below certain thresholds to deduct 100% of certain retirement and Social Security benefits from the taxpayer's Missouri adjusted gross income, with a reduced deduction as the taxpayer's adjusted gross income increases. For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, this act allows the maximum deduction to all taxpayers regardless of filing status or adjusted gross income. (Sections 143.124 and 143.125)
These provisions are identical to SB 448 (2023), SB 241 (2023), HB 662 (2023), HB 1206 (2023), SB 871 (2022), HB 2853 (2022), SB 157 (2021), SB 847 (2020), and HB 1725 (2020), and to provisions in HCS/SB 247 (2023), and are substantially similar to SB 585 (2023), HB 156 (2023), and HB 456 (2023), and to provisions in HCS/SS#3/SCS/SB 131 (2023).
Other Business:
Letter from Katelyn Lambert from the City of Essex for $50,000.00.
Motion to send the letter for the CDBG Grant for their paving project made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes April 29, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the April Ads/Abates by Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Closed Session Minutes for April 29, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Received a notice of the retirement of Mandy Clary. The Commission will need to advertise for Janitorial Services. They will also get a job description together to advertise for the position.
Stoddard County Commission go into closed session at 11:08 a.m. made by Commissioner C .D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
