On Monday a group of citizens met in the chambers of the Bates County Commission to confront Jim Wheatley as to why the disbursement reporting was not done. He stated that he was working on it and would have required paperwork completed by Wednesday's (yesterday) meeting. During that same meeting, Wheatley was asked to resign, to which he stated he would give an answer by Wednesday as well.
In the meantime, several of those present at the Monday meeting along with Northern Commissioner John Gray, worked to secure receipts from those who received money and completed reporting to the Treasury. Parallel to that, Wheatley reported to Mid America Live that he was working to show account for all monies disbursed.
Wheatley provided that information to Mid America Live early Wednesday which was made public. He also stated that he is not going to resign, per a separate letter that included an apology for any mistakes made. That letter was also published online as well as on his Facebook page.
The Wednesday meeting opened with John Gray reporting that everything had been turned in to the Treasury and it is hoped the county will receive a 'thumbs up' soon.
Wheatley was not present for the Wednesday meeting.
With over 80 in attendance, many stepped forward expressing dismay and to further pursue the removal of Wheatley from office as well as Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson, who was present, citing incompetence on behalf of both. Nelson did not respond regarding his resignation but did answer "yes" when asked if he thought Wheatley should step down.
Many issues regarding misdoings by the Commission were brought forward during the discussion but the general theme remained that both Wheatley and Nelson should resign or otherwise be removed from office.
Other questions posed included concerns that some received money who didn't apply for it; also why was Osage Valley (internet project) promised money but didn't get any. Nelson answered that at the time the Commission's goal was give money to water districts and food pantries, believing that "essential" needs outweighed internet needs.
As the Wednesday meeting wound down, one advocate did step forward to express sincere thanks for the ARPA allocation and went on to point out good things he believed the commission had accomplished despite mistakes made regarding the Treasury reporting.
Following the nearly 2 hour gathering, it was also revealed that the Bates county Republicans will meet tonight (Thursday) to further investigate options to remove Wheatley from office.
Mid America Live will continue to follow this story and report accordingly.
