Sept 10, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Jon Roberts with MarksNelson and Jana Rosier came in for the scheduled meeting about the EEZ Board. The Previous Board fell apart sometime around 2020. Jon went over the scope of work that MarksNelson can do for the implementation of an EEZ Board. Jon has sent a proposal of $12,000.00. Beginning steps would be:
1 Identify people for the Board
2 Reestablish Board
3 Training
4 Draft resolution
The EEZ board makes recommendations on business and abatements to the Commission for approval. They also make on going checks of agreements and visits to Business. There are quarterly meetings and yearly reporting. Since the old board stopped there would be some reports to make up and get back on track with the visits and check on previous abatements.
John stated that they had several people in mind noting that they need to be diverse to increase the understanding of what each business could bring to the county. Jana stated going after those businesses that could attract jobs that are offering 30-40k yearly would have a better outcome for all. Jon added being just South of the KC area has its benefits as well. Jon is also working with Butler for their Economic Development. Jon stated he will confer on a lower proposal since they will be given contact information for people that might be willing to serve as well, adding a yearly retainer for help with ongoing training and reporting.
Jana asked if it was a conflict of interest for her to serve on the Board. All agreed that it was not as the board only makes recommendations. She added her name to the list.
County Coroner Jerret Reno came in to share information he had received on indigent remains. County Clerk Jami Page was present. Discussion was had on whether a mausoleum or burial would be best. Jerret will need to get information on cost of burials and a monument. Jami added that we would need to bid out the cremations. Jami brought up the legality of ownership of the remains and the county's liability if the remains were given to the wrong family member. Given that that County has paid for the cremation and burial, the ownership should belong to the county. Other Counties follow this same policy. Jerret recommended talking to a lawyer for that answer. Jim added to let the family members get a court order to decide ownership.
Lonny Duckworth walked in on the open-door policy. Questioning the Jail bond payments and where that money goes. He then went on to question why his mother would not qualify for the senior tax credit when she owned the home but was living in a nursing home. He stated, “It doesn’t seem fair.” They own the home and pay the taxes whether in a nursing home or not. Jim stated the law states it must be the primary residence. The discussion went on about all the changes being considered for property taxes and changes in general. Jim started in on the use tax budget being $290,000.00. Trent added how it increased during COVID and what it is now. Use tax is when residents spend money out of county or state. He asked why the Commission gives the Sheriff’s Office the use tax money for security of the courthouse. “Isn’t that the responsibility of the Sheriff’s office to protect the citizens of the county? I mean, it’s in their normal budget. It’s not extra.” John asked if Lonny would want to reschedule the meeting when we could have the Sheriff included. He could answer the questions. Lonny asked why the Commissioners couldn’t? They are the ones in control of the budget. He then asked why the Sheriff is budgeted extra for what is already his duty and responsibility. There was some back-and-forth discussion on what is or isn’t a part of the sheriff’s duties or hired positions. Lonny ended by stating that $150,000.00 a piece for the courthouse security seemed totally unnecessary.
John then asked about a road that he had previously talked to Lonny about in his township and nothing had been done. There was a back-and-forth argument on this subject with Lonny stating that John needed to let the Township Board take care of it and to stay out of their job. John stated he felt it was his responsibility to make sure they were doing their job towards all citizens. As a citizen had complained about them not maintaining the road.
Jim, Trent and Lonny then had conversations on their Cattlemen’s Organization and the recent changes in districting.
Jim Kinney Jr walked in on the open-door policy to ask about Emergency Management opportunities. He has experience in many areas making him qualified in this field. Jim referred him to State Emergency Management and to check with the cities.
Jim attended the Work Force Development in Sedalia meeting on Tuesday.
