February 18, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
At 9:27 a.m. John Gray made the motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel with Bill Stephan pursuant to RSMo 610.021(3). Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.
At 10:20 a.m. John Gray made the motion to go back into open session. Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.
USI called the Commission and they spoke over the phone about the Employee Benefits that they offer and what could potentially save the county money. The Commission explained they are more than happy with Cooks Insurance and the services they provide but USI is confident that they can team up with Cooks and work alongside them. USI has made another appointment for March 4th with the Commission so they can further discuss a plan if they want to move forward.
Kacie Robey sat down with the Commissioners and discussed an issue that was not the County nor the individual’s fault. The individual bought property in October and there was an interference with the previous landowners Mortgage Company. They requested the bill for the period the previous landowners were in possession; therefore, the individual did not receive the bill himself in December. Due to this mishap, he has been charged with penalties and interest on what he owes for the remainder of the year when he took ownership, that he feels he should not have to pay. The reason this came to light was because of the courtesy letter that Kacie sent out in January to remind individuals that the Collector had not received a payment.
Trent made a motion to wave the penalties and interest for January due to the individual not receiving his bill. Jim seconded the motion. John reclused his vote. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Kacie also asked about Senate Bill 3. She wondered if it was on the ballot, when it was going into effect, how it was worded on the ballot. She also asked about the penny going away.
February 23, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Melissa Stong and Mikayla Neil, with the Extension Office, sat down with the Commission and discussed their Annual Report. They updated the Commission on all the projects underway and thanked them for their ongoing support. Jim was more than happy to give his support, as he feels this is something that really helps shape the youth. John was pleased to see there were 206 members and 280 projects, proving that there are 206 members involved with more than one project.
The Bates County 2025 Annual Report booklet that they gave the Commission showed Faculty, Staff, Council Members and County Executives who make this mission possible as well as their Unique Funding Partnership for Local Support. It shows the Missouri 4H Program and how ages eight to eighteen can be involved and shape themselves in ways you may not even realize. The Local Impact showed that there were forty-one dedicated volunteers that helped them transition into respectable individuals that strive to give back to their community. It also shows statewide programs within the Health and Human Sciences that are beneficial for all ages.
February 25, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Attending CCAM
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