The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Chris Gach was present for all meetings.
Mary DuBray came in and met with the Commission and spoke over a situation that occurred on October 19th, 2026. Mary explained that John Gray went into the USPS Building, where she works, to retrieve his personal mail and continued to claim that he asked her if he could ask her a question, wondering if accountability was for everyone or just for him and asked her why she had not filed with the Missouri Ethics Committee due to them not having her on their list. Mary claimed that she said she had not made a certain dollar amount of donations at that time, so she had not filed, and John went on to tell her about the fines at stake for her signs. Mary stated that her and her supervisor felt it was unprofessional for John to come into her place of work and ask her these things.
Mary then went on to explain that she feels like this is harassment because she believes the report on John needs to be released. She also stated that she is aware that some of her signs were placed in locations they should not have been, as well as some her opponent put out.
She expressed her opinion of the Commission keeping the report on John closed and stated that she wants the Commission and the Community to know that it is inappropriate behavior that is continuing to happen and informed the Commission it needs to stop.
John made a motion to pay Kaysinger Quad Lakes bill of $1,240 for year 2027. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. No opposition.
Jim asked the Commission if they wanted to discuss putting out a bid for the New Generation 911 Addresses or wait until Monday to discuss it. Trent mentioned they could speak over it later in the day, even. John mentioned he was not ready to make that decision yet, that he would like to wait until Monday.
John asked the Commission if they were set on keeping Ivan Schraeder as their Attorney. Jim stated that he was set on Ivan. John pointed out that the Commission pays Ivan every three months. Jim claimed that was for County Issues. Trent asked how long they were contracted with Ivan, Jim was unsure and asked Jami, who informed them it was a year. Trent thought that was.
John made a motion to send Ivan Schraeder, per their term and contract, a committal dismissal as of January 5th, 2026, for the County of Bates regarding legal services and will be reviewing different options. Trent seconded the motion. Trent and John were in favor, but Jim was opposed. Jim explained that he isn’t necessarily disagreeing with Trent and John but claimed he has always had a good relationship with Ivan. Motion was carried. One opposed.
The Elected Officials gathered in the Commission office to retain further information about Axion Supplemental Insurance that is being considered. Jim explained what was happening currently and the confusion that was taking place. Jami, Bates County Clerk, explained a recent situation of an insurance representative that came in and misled employees on certain plans that the representative claimed he could cancel. She continued to explain Axios and how this will clear up a lot of confusion and benefit the employees. Kacie Robey, with the Treasure/Collectors Office, asked about individual plans and Brenda Doody, Public Administrator, asked about the pre-tax. Jennifer confirmed that they could potentially keep whatever individual plan they want and assumed that it might go up just a few dollars if they switched to their own bank draft. Chad Anderson, Bates County Sheriff, mentioned that this seemed like a wonderful idea and felt that for now, new hires should be offered one supplement until next year when they can sit down with Axios and make whatever decisions they choose. Jami and Jennifer agreed and felt that maintaining what they have now is fair, but nothing new. The Elected Officials felt like this was a good idea, especially with it not being of any charge to the county.
Nine students from Butler High School AP US Government and Politics Class came in and asked the Commission about their responsibilities, skills they need, a typical work week, their biggest challenges, their number one priority for the county, the differences between all three Commissioners, the reason they ran for Commissioner and their salary.
John stated their responsibilities are approving the budget, checking roads and bridges throughout the county, working alongside Bates County Road and Bridge, working alongside the Bates County Clerk’s Office, speaking with State Representatives, speaking with State Senate as well as working with Townships. Jim piggybacked off John, explaining in more detail, the townships and the tax rates, explained the county budget and financials. Trent continued to explain the details of the boards within a township and detail on how Bates County Road and Bridge work to keep the roads and bridges maintained. John went on to explain the companies that they work with, like Kaysinger Basin, MoDot and Great River Engineering. Jim pulled up Bates County GIS and showed the students the different townships that the county has.
Jim stated that the skills needed to be a Commissioner is communication, to which John agreed and added being able to learn state statutes.
John explained that the Commissions typical work week is an everyday job, despite them being office two days a week. Jim brought entities that they work with.
John, Trent and Jim all agreed that the public was the biggest challenge, due to never being able to please everyone.
They, all three, stated that the number one priority for the county was service and safety for the county.
All three, again, explained the differences between the duties of each Commissioner.
Jim explained his military reserve and police reserve background and felt he could help the county to a good stance. Trent stated he wanted to help his community and serve his area. He does this for the people and enjoys doing it this job. John explained that he found himself complaining and wanted to make changes and a difference. He explained that he was first inspired by a young man who had been through trials and faced much adversity in life and that started the encouragement of running to be the change. John stated that him and his wife prayed over the choice to run for his position and felt that God was leading him to take the leap of faith. He then followed up, stating he enjoyed it and knows he’s supposed to be here.
John told the students that their Salary is public knowledge and told them where they could find that information and informed them that the Southern and Northern Commissioners make $50,000 a year, while the presiding makes $52,000.
John made a motion to accept Axios after discussing it with the Elected Officials. Trent seconded the motion. Motion carried. No opposition.
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