July 7, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
The Commissioners were in and out of the office most the day. They also dealt with phone calls on roads. John worked on getting the 2 citizens to sit on Board Of Equalization that is coming up on July 21st and 22nd. The last day to set an appointment for a BOE hearing is the 14th.
July 9, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Northern Commissioner John Gray was on vacation.
Charles Rush with Cook Insurance came in for his scheduled meeting. He rebuts points the other Insurance Competitor had brought up. Every insurance company will do their own risk assessment for Property and Casualty Insurance. He feels as a broker they have no business helping or ensuring how a Policy Handbook is written. He further points out that they cannot claim that as a bigger company they can provide a better rate as they all get their insurance from the same companies. It’s against the law. A quote from the same company would be the same to either broker to the penny. The only difference between the 2 companies is the service they can provide. Trent stated, “100 yards away is better than 100 miles away”. Charles replied, “We’d like to think that”. He also stated that he feels they can improve the service they do provide. He would like to increase communications with the employees and with HR. Check into the health coverages on preventative and wellness, not just focusing on price. Charles stated that there is a software program he is looking into that will help in the process of Health Insurance. He is expecting a bigger percentage rise in insurance this year over the last few and would like to get started in looking for renewals. Jim stated he wants to have all the elected officials in on health coverage this time. Jim also stated that some of the concerns over charges with Bates County Memorial need to be addressed with the CEO and Director. He referred to an email that John received on how the Hospital does not have Critical Care status therefore the cost of transportation is given to the patient and not picked up by the government. Cass Regional and Elliot Hospital have this status. Jim passed that information on to Mark Alford’s office to see if anything can be done about it. Jim stated he personally does not use the insurance coverage by the county as he has other health insurance coverage, however he still is aware of what is going on with the employees and the county. Charles ended up with how he would love to continue to work with the county and will make every effort to improve in any aspect necessary.
Work in progress
1. Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April.
2. Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25 still gaining signatures. To date 10 people have signed and one resident is declaring he will not sign. All need to sign to move the drives to roads.
3. Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given nothing since 2/14/2024.
4. Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley).
5. EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 6/11/25.
