Bates County Commission and the Senior tax credit: "Still working on it"

Report from the Bates County Commission January 15, 2025

The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Approved Bills.

The Commission took a phone call from Dennis Slattery with West Point Township concerning a bridge. Trent and John were going to go out to look at it.

Sheriff Chad Anderson and Captain Justin Shaffer brought over the proposal for the rental generator. They checked with EMA on that unit. It would only supply power for half the jail and would need to be modified to work with the current connections. The rented generator will be $4642.80 for the first month and $4192.80 every month after. They are expecting 3 months. The estimated cost of the replacement is $119,000.00. Chad states there is enough in the jail maintenance fund to cover and enough in his budget to move around if needed. They are moving forward with the rental and new generator. Chad also mentioned they would store the old one and have it investigated for repair. He asked if the Commission needed one for the Administration Building. The Commission thought it was too much for that building.

Chad asked for clarification on employee pay for the weather closure days. Jim stated that if he called the building closed then the employee gets administrative pay. If the elected official closes their individual office, then the employee must choose whether to take vacation or sick day. Chad stated he had a few administrative people that did not come in and would get the 8 hours per day administrative pay. Those that did come in and worked would get the administrative pay for the day as well as the pay for the worked hours. Everyone agreed that those that made it in and worked deserved the administrative pay for the day as well. Jim added that his office is exempt from hours anyway as they have to run 24 hours. Chad stated that he was seeking clarification and is wanting to be more transparent with the Commission.

Chad mentioned the roads remain difficult to travel. Trent stated that the cold is freezing the top and the bottom is going out during the day making travel difficult.

John asked Chad about the topic of warming stations during the cold weather and why the Sheriff’s Annex could not be used. The Annex originally was set up to be a training and meeting place for the sheriff’s employees as the jail doesn’t have a space where they all can meet. This space isn’t “public ready” at just a given moment. Supplies and sensitive items are readily visible. So, it is out of the question for a warming station. As Sheriff has stated in a social media post, he feels this is the duties of the Emergency Management Organizations. Jim stated that this would be a local Emergency Management responsibility and not the County one. Chad also mentioned that the County Administration Building was meant to be a community use area if needed. That is why there is a kitchenette and bathroom in the basement. Different aspects and needs were discussed with no finality or actions going forward.
Jim asked Chad if they took all the MREs when they took the trip to help North Carolina Hurricane Disaster. Chad replied, “no”. Justin stated they took 2 pallets and have 4 left. Jim asked if they were still using the mini meals. Chad stated the mini meals did not work affectively for the jail.

Rodney Rom walked in to ask the Commission for an update on the Senior Tax Credit. Jim stated they are still working on the credit. By the Commission getting it done this leaves the opportunity to change it as needed when issues arise. Versus the people putting it up to a vote which would take a vote to change or stop. It looks like this will only be a credit between 5 to 50 dollars to a given person. This is only for those seniors that own and live in a primary residence. The residence will be separated out from the whole property and credit only given on that primary residence portion. The credit is only on the taxes that the county controls. Not on any voted in taxes or levies, i.e. school or township levies. This follows the Hancock Agreement. There are several points they are still working through.
The Scheduled meeting with the Circuit Clerk, Shelli White was cancelled.

Work In Progress
Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023
Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024
Bid for Hallway lights given 2/14/2024
Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024
Senior Tax Credit 9/9/2024

Tragic Independence apartment fire has local tie

  

A fire that erupted at the Indy Ridge Apartments on east 37th Terrace Court in Independence, Mo yesterday morning tragically claimed the lives of a family of four after a cooking fire went unnoticed.

Fortunately, other residents escaped injury but are now seeking alternate living arrangements including Troy Bagby, son of Renee Edgmon of Butler.

In a twist of fate, Bagby was called back to work and wasn't at home when the fire broke out and is one of many who will have to relocate as the 24 unit complex has been deemed a total loss, displacing over 30 people.

High winds complicated matters and at least two firefighters suffered third degree burns fighting the blaze. In the meantime, the Red Cross is assisting those affected and more information is expected in coming days.

Hang in there, temps to rebound a little

 

Very cold temperatures tonight into Friday morning. Wind chills 5 to 10 degrees below zero. Temperatures rebound Friday afternoon with highs in the low 30s to low 40s. Dry conditions likely to persist however, we do have a chance of precip  next Friday:

Rich Hill Senior Spotlight - Abigail Kyler

 

Courtesy Rich Hill Tiger Talk

Criteria for small homes a hot topic for Butler council

As the public awaits, the  planning commission is still working on establishing criteria regarding small homes and container homes. Much like mobile homes, there are a lot of things to address such as power, water and sewer requirements as well as lot size, right-of-ways and other. The main focus will be the structure itself, including meeting building codes and overall size. Even as the debate continues, more is likely to be forthcoming in the February 4 council session.

Pricing for opening and closing graves at Oak Hill cemetery has changed, and obviously increased somewhat. It is recommended that if anyone has questions, contact city hall for more information.

A pole attachment agreement with K-PowerNet LLC was renewed which will now be extended until 2044. K-PowerNet offers wholesale and retail fiber-based telecommunication services in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The company is a subsidiary of KAMO Power.

Terry Smalley, who retired as operator of the wastewater treatment plant in December has been re-hired as a consultant to assist with DNR reporting and other tasks that will help insure the plant stays in compliance. His expertise in the field will certainly be of benefit.

City Clerk Malachi Hoover reported that work is ongoing regarding documentation of lead pipes not only within the city but on residential property as well. The tasks include opening a special account related to expenses of same, which was approved. For the record, DNR is 

Preparing for the '25-'26 budget has been a hot topic and City Administrator Corey Snead said that he is awaiting feedback from department heads regarding raises and other info ahead of the February 28 deadline as the city will set a new budget shortly thereafter.

The city of Rich Hill has terminated their agreement with the city of Butler for police and fire dispatch. While not disclosed, it is assumed that the Bates County Sheriff's Office will take over those duties.

Snead went on to say that he recently met with the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission and a lot of topics were covered in preparation for the upcoming year, which included application of grants for the city. One primary recommendation from Kaysinger is to add two generators at the light plant to better meet needs during critical times such as the recent winter storms. Funding for such will likely come in the form of grants; more info is expected soon.

Hometown Grid, a new online reporting system for utility outages has been well received by the public, as Snead again noted. The map can be found at www.hometowngrid.com/butler; the council recommends everyone to use it as outages can be pinpointed to specific neighborhoods and homes. It also notifies the city workers automatically which speeds up the reporting process.

Remember the Butler City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

Adrian Student Council makes generous donation

 

Archie School District offers a huge thank you to the Adrian Student Council for raising over $1,700 to donate to the families following the tragic loss of student Miles Humbird in early December.

Once again, thank you for all your hard work and generosity

Obituary - Robert Claude Gray

Robert Claude Gray, 86, Moundville, MO, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Bobby Claude was born March 3, 1938 in Chaulk Level, MO to Claude Francis and Dolly (Mullens) Gray. He married Betty Lavine Crosby in 1955 in Kansas City, MO. Following 65 years of marriage she preceded him in death on March 20, 2021.

Throughout his life Bobby Claude worked as a painter in Kansas City and was a member of the painter’s union. After retiring he bought a farm in Vernon County and moved to the Moundville area where he raised cattle. Bobby Claude enjoyed coon hunting, fishing and going on mule rides with his friends. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Betty, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Blane Gray, Zane Gray, and Joe-Ed Gray; three sisters, Hilda Lea Leslie, Ila-Dean Luther, and Lona-Jean Grogan; his daughter, Dolly Jean; and a granddaughter, Amie Jean. Survivors include his children, Carolyn Hutchison (John), Jack Gray (Julie), and Tom Gray (Debbie); 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Suiter and Nelda Wood; many nieces and nephews; and his coon dog Sadie.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Obituary - Edwin Reed

Edwin W. Reed, age 78, of Moundville, MO passed away peacefully at home after battling a lengthy illness on January 21, 2025. Born to Cecil W. and Dorothy Ellen (Kennedy) Reed on December 12, 1946. Edwin attended Foster, Sprague and Rich Hill schools. He graduated from Rich Hill High School with the Class of 1964.

After school Edwin worked at various jobs including Hallmark Cards and Sweet Lumber. He decided this type of work wasn’t for him and joined the Air Force in September 1965. As a member of the Air Force Commandos, he was deployed to Vietnam in November 1967 and received an early out in July 1968. As an E4 Sergeant, he was honorably discharged in September 1971. Edwin received several medals including Air Force Commendation.

After returning home, he worked at LaCygne Power Plant but wanted to be his own boss. He quit that job and started trucking. He was known for his cleaned and chromed out trucks which was a weekend project for the family. Due to declining health, he sold his last truck in 2005 and took on his past times of fishing and hunting.

His grandkids are what he lived for. He couldn’t wait until Saturdays to watch Aiden play baseball, basketball or football. He also taught Aiden how to mow the perfect yard. He was proud of his oldest granddaughter, Brittica, for obtaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2022. He welcomed twin granddaughters, Addison and Avery, in 2023. He enjoyed the time with them and always having a MumMum for them when they came to visit. In November 2024, he welcomed his newest granddaughter, Sutton. Although his time with her was short, he loved her visits so he could feed and hold her. One week before his passing, his first great grandson was born, Benjamin George.

Edwin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Regina. One son, Jeff (Stacy) of Alexandria, LA; two daughters, Ashley (Daniel) and Haley (Austin) of Nevada, MO. One grandson, Aiden Matthew of Nevada MO; Four granddaughters, Brittica Lynn (Ruston) of Alexandria, LA, Addison Mae, Avery Lane, and Sutton Rayne all of Nevada, MO; one step-grandson, Clayton Michael of Nevada; and one great-grandson, Benjamin George of Alexandria, LA.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.