Yesterday, Sheriff Chad Anderson met with the Bates County Commission regarding the commission's withholding approval of payment for the upcoming annual sheriff's rodeo. The commission said that taxpayer money may not be used for public events, according to information they have received.
Anderson opened with a lengthy response citing that having the rodeo falls into the category of community policing, it is perfectly legal and he went on to cite several examples to back up his claim.
"We've been doing this rodeo since Covid, it's in the budget, the commission has always approved it, so why now are you saying no?" asked Anderson. Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley responded that an auditor had mentioned that it my be in violation of the Missouri Constitution, and the commission wanted to be sure no laws are broken by approving it.
During the 1 hour, 15 minute non-stop debate, other points were brought up, including that the sheriff has procured a lawyer but has not taken action yet. Anderson also said that this is another example of the overt control the commission wants over him and his office.
"If I'm doing anything wrong, I'll correct it. But from all the information I have, there's nothing illegal or wrong with what we're doing." he added.
Adrian City Administrator Ryan Wescote spoke on behalf of the rodeo, saying that the city of Adrian has spent upwards of $30,000 to better prepare the arena and if the commission wasn't going to approve it, he would like two months notice so he can make other plans for a similar event.
Northern Commissioner John Gray said "I don't see that any laws are being broken by paying for it, I say we approve it." However as Anderson pressed for an answer, Wheatley informed those present that a vote will be taken with results to be provided in the upcoming Monday commission meeting.
The decision will be made by Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson with any tie breaking vote coming from Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley.
