Scotland County Advances Infrastructure Upgrades, Reviews Building Acquisition and Community Services
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MEMPHIS, Mo. — Scotland County’s commissioners continued their focus on infrastructure, facilities management and fiscal oversight in recent meetings spanning late April through mid-May, culminating in the awarding of a key culvert replacement project and the strategic acquisition of a downtown building.
Box Culvert Bid Accepted, Funded by Voter-Approved Sales Tax
On April 24, the County Commission accepted a $17,250 bid from Double D Excavating LLC for the construction of a new box culvert. The work is expected to begin around June 15. Road and Bridge Supervisor Michael Billings attended the session and participated in the bid opening.
This project is among the first to be funded following voter approval of a road and bridge sales tax in the April 8 election. Commissioners formally amended the budget that day to account for the $7,375.67 in election-related expenses.
Road and Equipment Maintenance Discussed Across Multiple Sessions
Commissioners dealt with several road concerns during their meetings, including culvert issues on County Roads 452, 850 and FEMA-affected sites. Billings brought forward requests for culvert replacements and conservation rock purchases, while Bill Hall reported brush obstructing bridge #140001 on CR 857.
Two new semi tractors with front axle spring issues were discussed with Quincy Mack, and a seat replacement was proposed for one of the county trucks. The commission also handled complaints and requests from residents, including Terry Smith and Steve Morris, regarding culvert conditions and road access.
New Courthouse Equipment and Services Approved
Over the course of the sessions, the commission approved a $3,400 bid from Memphis Farm and Home for nine window air conditioners and a $4,463.40 purchase order for stamped envelopes requested by County Collector Diane Tague.
The county also approved multiple invoices: $650 for Electrical Evolution; #871671730 from Kone related to elevator phone issues; and several from Howe Co. and Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson for legal and inspection services. NEMR Telecom invoiced for installation of new phones.
The elevator phone line rerouting, handled in coordination with Kone and NEMR, followed discussions on the emergency communication system’s reliability.
Former U.S. Bank Property to Be Inspected
The county’s recent acquisition of the former U.S. Bank building at 213 S. Market St. in Memphis was another major topic. The Commission consulted with Shannon Howe of Howe Co. regarding inspection costs, which were estimated at under $3,000. Echo Menges and Corey Stott interviewed the commissioners about the purchase, indicating growing public interest in the property’s future use.
Public Finance and Oversight Updates
On April 30, the commission voted to update authorized signers for all accounts held by the county treasurer and county collector. The warrant account now requires three signatures. Commissioners also signed court orders 2025-8 through 2025-10 and reviewed monthly overtime and revenue reports.
Community and Civic Engagement Continues
The Commission approved the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to use the courthouse lawn for a Memorial Day service. They also consulted with Yvette Amerman from the Missouri Department of Conservation about the health of trees around the courthouse and potential replacements.
In another matter, Brett and Janet Brewer discussed public road access, and the commissioners reviewed old court cases related to County Road 416, confirming that a section past the Smith homestead had been abandoned.
Delinquent Taxes and Building Repairs
Collector Diane Tague met with the commission on multiple occasions to address issues involving delinquent taxpayers. The Commission also initiated plans to replace broken glass in the treasurer’s office door with frosted safety glass, contacting Hopkins Lumber for the repair.
Ongoing Coordination with State and Regional Officials
Lori Smith of MoDOT contacted the Commission about a soft match exchange with Audrain County and railroad crossing upgrades in Gorin. Meanwhile, Derek Weber and Batina Dodge from the NEMO Regional Planning Commission continued to assist with FEMA-related issues, and the Commission reached out to Dale Longenecker regarding Category Z management costs.
The Commission will reconvene in regular session as scheduled, with meetings open to the public at the Scotland County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
