Scotland County Finalizes Property Deal, Launches Employee Wellness Initiative and Confronts Infrastructure Issues

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MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Scotland County Commission approved the purchase of a key property, advanced a new employee health program, and coordinated with multiple agencies on public infrastructure and audit planning during a packed series of meetings held May 15, 21, 22 and 28.

In a unanimous vote May 22, commissioners exercised an option to purchase the former U.S. Bank building in Memphis. Presiding Commissioner Duane Ebeling, Treasurer Tasha Fadiga, and County Clerk Tammy Kirchner completed the wire transfer on May 28 at Equity Bank, finalizing the transaction. The building is expected to serve future county needs, though specific plans were not discussed during the sessions.

Also on May 22, the commission backed a wellness package for county employees proposed by Brent Peirick and Meagan Weber of Scotland County Hospital. Valued at $240 per person, the program includes lab testing, an initial wellness visit, and a follow-up appointment, reflecting a broader commitment to workforce health and preventative care.

Administrative action across the four meetings included approval of prior session minutes and a range of operational measures. On May 15, the commission consulted with SEMA and the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission (NEMO RPC) regarding documentation needs for the CAT-Z disaster mitigation funding. Commissioners also spoke with MoDOT about engineering plans for bridge project BRO-R099(002), discussed repairs to a courthouse door latch, and approved Form 5507 ACH agreements presented by Treasurer Fadiga. They also addressed local issues raised by residents, including a culvert concern on County Road 750 and political tensions in Gorin related to alderman impeachment proceedings.

On May 21, the commission authorized the purchase of new envelopes and signed a contract for touchpad voting equipment to modernize the election process. Commissioners also accepted a mowing bid of $50 per cut from Woollums Mowing Service for maintenance of the old U.S. Bank building. That day, representatives from the Missouri State Auditor’s Office, including Shelby Jarrard and Haley Mertel, held an entrance meeting with county officials to launch a performance audit of county operations as of Dec. 31, 2024.

The May 22 session also included updates from NEMO RPC’s Derek Weber and Batina Dodge on a workspace utilization plan supported by SEMA and FEMA. Treasurer Fadiga recommended transferring funds to Exchange Bank. Commissioners voted to formally adopt “Scotland County” as the county’s official name, replacing “County of Scotland” for consistency in legal and public documents.

By May 28, attention turned again to infrastructure and financial coordination. Road and Bridge Supervisor Michael Billings updated the commission on FEMA-funded culverts and a new fuel tank. Ebeling and Commissioner David Wiggins reported on their attendance at the NEMO RPC Executive Board and Transportation Advisory Committee meeting on May 27. Bridge conditions on Highway 136 at Medill and County Road 958 were also reviewed. Commissioners discussed the removal of trees from the courthouse lawn and reviewed invoices for new card reader equipment.

Loan paperwork was signed May 28 by Scotland County Hospital, Tri-County Electric, and county representatives, formalizing a financing partnership involving local public institutions.

The commission adjourned its May 28 session at noon and planned to reconvene May 29.