Jake Kroesen with Missouri Times called in on a late scheduled meeting. He wants to do a podcast on the history of Bates County. Trent stated he has a few people in mind. Jake mentioned he was looking to have 4 people. Jim and Trent will get ahold of the people. The event is scheduled for August 27th at 1pm. Later changed to 1:30.
10:18 am Trent made the motion to go into closed session per RSMO 610.021 (1 Legal actions). John seconded All voted yes. Motion carried.
10:48 am Trent made the motion to go back to open session. John seconded. All voted yes. Motion carried.
The Commission received a letter from The Bates County Museum asking for a letter of support for a grant application. The grant will be used to revive the Wilcox Schoolhouse into a handicap accessible lodging facility as well as a gathering space for the community. In turn providing financial support for the Museum.
Trent made the motion to submit a letter of support to the Revival of the Wilcox Schoolhouse. John seconded. All vote yes. No opposition.
The Commission worked on CART Payments.
John made the motion to pay out the CART payments to the Townships that had all the contract and rock information in. Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion passed. No Opposition.
There are 5 Townships that have not completed their paperwork at this time. West Boone, East Boone, Mt. Pleasant, Walnut and New Home.
Work in progress
1. Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April 25.
2. Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25 still gaining signatures. As of 8/7/25, nine people need to sign. All need to sign to move the drives to roads.
3. Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley).
4. EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 8/13/25.
August 25, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
The Commissioners attended the U.S. State Representative Mark Alford Town Hall meeting in Rich Hill.
Rebecca Thornhill walked in with a question on her personal property tax bill. She has a dodge truck that was not on her assessment for this year. She added it and turned it in. She then found that she has not paid her taxes since getting it in 2019. Even though she has registered for it 2x with the state. She currently owes 6 years taxes. Leaving her with $1787.84 in penalty fees. This was her first vehicle in the County as she had just moved from Cass at that time. She never received an assessment letter but was able to register it twice with the state. After some checking and discussion, the Commission decided they could waive the penalties.
Trent made the motion to wave the $1787.84 penalty fees on the 2019 dodge truck taxes for Rebecca Thornhill. Jim seconded. Two voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition. John recused himself.
Jami Page County Clerk came in to finalize employee Health and Dental Insurance. With all agreeing there was no need for further discussion.
Trent made the motion to approve the United Health Insurance proposal for the $500.00 deductible and the county paying for each employee. John seconded all voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami informed the Commission of the Dental Insurance added to the United Plan would have a 2% discount which would pay for the plan itself. It would be mostly the same coverage as the current one and would be paid by splitting the cost with the employee. John made the motion to add the Dental coverage to the United Health Plan. Trent seconded. All voted yes. Motion carried. No Opposition.
Jami then moved on to the Vision Plan. This plan is provided by Met Life for the Life insurance and Death benefit for each County employee. This plan is paid for by the county for each employee.
John made the motion to keep the vision plan with Met Life. Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion carried. No Opposition.
Jami also brought up some receipts that were turned in for reimbursement by a new contractor that is repairing the foundation footings on 7 county bridges. Matthew Tillery submitted several receipts for various items that were questionable as to materials or personal tools. The discussion voiced concerns using hired workers versus county employees. The taxed items purchased versus county nontaxed accounts. Trent stated that “them boys" were getting a job done that was needing done for a few years. John added they are younger and can do that hard work easier and faster. Jami stated " I think you need to scrutinize what they're purchasing and what you're reimbursing" such as leather gloves, aprons, rachet straps. Tools not materials. Jami said it would be like her taking her car to a mechanic to be fixed and then her having to buy the tools for the mechanic to fix her car. Bill Stephan also looked at the invoice and had concerns. Trent added that all items would be returned to the bridge barn after use, strap, shovel etc.
