The Commission spent the day welcoming and settling in New Northern Commissioner John Gray. Due to weather closure, the missed scheduled appointment for Amanda Davis was discussed and supporting documents submitted to the Commission. Her property purchased in 2022 was never changed in the Assessor's office to reflect her ownership. She is requesting the penalties be removed.
January 13, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Sheriff Anderson, Chief Deputy Corbin and Captain Shaffer came over to let the Commission know they are experiencing an issue with the Generator. It is a possibility that it will need replaced and this was not something considered in the budget. Jim told Chad to check with EMA and see if the Generator they have will work till repair or replacement of theirs can be accomplished. The generator is 20 years old, and replacement might end up being the best option.
County Clerk Jami Page brought in the budget for the budget hearing. She stated it is completed and balanced (meaning the cash on hand + revenues anticipated > then our expected expenses) and ready for approval. It will be sent to the State for approval. We should be back printing checks by Wednesday. Jim mentioned that he was talking to Carl about the budget as he was using the wrong account for the GIS maintenance fee. It was also discussed that Assessor's budget may need amened if the GIS site needs to be updated with aerial photography. He is hoping to get this done in tandem with Vernon and Henry Counties for a discounted price. Jami stated that Carl gave a sticky note this morning to Jennifer (HR) with what appears to be salary increases for this staff this morning. It appears he is wanting to give Meghan a 9.2% increase where the commission only approved a 5% increase. John asked if 5% was approved where does the other 4.5 % come from? Jami replied, “he would have to have budgeted for it.” It is just like the prosecutor giving 7% to certain employees. Jim states Hugh has done this in the past, but he has always had the funding to be able to. Hugh’s funding changed this year, and it isn’t certain if he has the funding to do this. This change came from the state audit recommendations. Jami pointed out that the commission never transferred money over to the law enforcement sales tax so that budget is starting out with 0. Jim replied he thought they had. Jami stated after she reminded them, they never gave her an amount to transfer. Jim asked about amending the budget. Jami stated only if there is unanticipated revenue. If it comes to that then it will be dealt with then. Jami as the budget officer monitors it every month. The commissioners are given a report every month as well.
Trent made the motion to accept the budget. Jim seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
County Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins came in for his scheduled meeting. At 10:19 pursuant to RSMO 610.021 (3) Discussing personnel Trent made the motion to go into Closed session. John seconded all voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition. At 11:03 Trent made the motion to go back into open session. John seconded. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
Terry Bettels with the Senior Services Board brought the most current list of officers, members and their budget. She has 2 letters to be sent out for re-appointment. It was discovered there was a correction to be made, and she will return.
John made the motion to approve the Senior Services Budget. Trent seconded. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
