The Stoddard County Commissioner began their meeting at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis introduced the new Commissioner Wes Howard.
Elk Township
Elk Township has requested funds from the LATCF. This money was committed to bridge repair. LATCF stands for Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.
"Annual reports are required until all funds are expended. Reports will include information on current and cumulative obligations and expenditures, along with a certification that no funds were used for lobbying purposes."
The Commissioner will look into this in the 2025 year.
William Dowdy, Maintenance Manager of the Stoddard County Buildings
"I checked with William on the roads and parking lots," stated Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "I had William and my son, put out salt everywhere. So no news is good news, right? I didn't send out a text for people to come to work. I didn't want to wake them."
MU Extension Chris Rowland
Mr. Rowland passed out the budge for the MU Extension office.
"Anything different than last year's budget?" asked Mathis.
"The Secretary got a $1.00 raise per hour and 4-H Assistant Pay went up. Also we have applied for a grant for that pay, but we won't know for a month." stated Rowland.
4-H enrollment is up to 13 clubs and over 400 students. 77 soil tests, helped 120 people get their private pesticide license. Nutrition Specialist Jeanie Huey did Health Classes in Puxico, Richland, Bell City schools, and other schools with over 5,000 contacts.
Former Commissioner Carol Jarrell had been a representative from the County Commissioners MU Extension.
Motion to appoint Wes Howard as the commission representative for the MU Extension Council made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Wes Howard abstains. Both voted yes and motion passed.
They meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Castor River
"They have done a lot of work clearing out Castor River," commented Mathis. They have completed about 10 miles out of 37 miles and it is a two year project. C.D. Stewart gave a little update on the clean-out of Castor River banks.
Budget and Pay
The only two departments that have not turned in their budgets are Juvenile Detention and the Prosecuting Attorney per Cecil Weeks.
Salaries - Cost of Living or a percentage increase across the board for everyone. "Only one person has come to me," stated Mathis. "That person said only the hourly employees should get increases and not office holders."
Stewart and Howard are looking at 2.5% and Mathis is thinking 3.5%. 3.5% is one percent over social security increase for this year. There was much discussion over benefits which is very lucrative compared to other businesses in Stoddard County. The base salary might be a little lower compared to some businesses.
Motion approves the salary increase of employees and elected officials at 3.5% made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard. All three voted yes and motion passed.
$17.33 is the base pay except sheriff's department they are hired in at a higher rate. The new base pay will be $17.93 however offices do not have to start at that base salary.
Motion to set the Budget Hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"Post an agenda for the days we will be working on the budget, today at 1 p.m., January 7th at 9:30 a.m., January 13th 9 a.m. during regular meeting and 14th at 9:30 a.m.," stated Mathis.
Other Business
Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes for December 30th made by C.D. Stewart, seconded by Greg Mathis. Howard abstained as he was not Commissioner yet. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Bid Opening Meeting minutes from December 30th made by C.D. Stewart, seconded by Greg Mathis. Howard abstained as he was not Commissioner yet Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the minutes from Tuesday, December 31st for the budget amendments made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis. Howard abstained as he was not Commissioner yet Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to adjourn at 11:53 a.m. and readjourn at 1 p.m. to work on the budget made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
