Minutes from the October 26, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Chris Gach was present for all meetings.
Jon Dudley came in and attended the meeting with Jerret Reno, Russ Whisenand and Brenda Doody. Jim was absent. They met with the Commission to discuss the Indigent Policy. Brenda said that she felt it was written well and she didn’t have any issues. John mentioned within section four, it stated that the County Clerk must keep the paperwork for five years and John suggested that those should be kept indefinitely. Jerret felt that was the best way to go, as well as everyone else agreeing. Jerret asked about the budget for this, and Brenda stated that she has a line item within her budget.
John made a motion to accept this policy and to put it in the resolution. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.
Jim joined the meeting and John caught him up on what was happening and what they had discussed.
Jerret and Jami discussed keeping the remains until there was a spot open at the cemetery for them. Jami stated she could reach out to City of Butler to discuss a plot, and Jerret informed her that it’s possible that a spot is already reserved for cases like this. Trent agreed and said he spoke to someone regarding this issue.
William Mabnors, with Axios Insurance, came in and met with the Commission to discuss any more concerns or questions they might have. William explained that he wants to make this as seamless as possible and is looking forward to getting to know the Elected Officials. He stated that he would do whatever he could to help individuals that might need to do bank drafts. Jennifer Bolling, Deputy Clerk, asked William if he needed anything from her but all he needed was the Commission’s signature to build the County’s case.
John made sure that there wouldn’t be illegitimate paperwork that would be encouraged to be filled out by the employee but is misleading. William assured John that he has the actual forms and will make sure that all the employees understand what they are signing. Jennifer also stated that he would have the correct forms that would need to be signed, as he brokers for majority of them.
Trent asked about him meeting the employees, William explained that he would come back to meet them and then it would be once a year after that. Jim signed for William to build the case.
Trent made a motion to pay CART Funds to Cornland Special Road District, Walnut, New Home and Mt. Pleasant townships. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.
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