Scotland County Commission Approves Road Equipment Purchases, Advances Courthouse Projects

MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Scotland County Commission approved more than $92,000 in road equipment purchases, advanced courthouse and jail improvements and vacated several roads and alleyways during meetings held July 1-15.

Commissioners accepted a $45,000 bid from M&K Truck Centers for a 2021 Volvo VNL300 truck and a $47,380 bid from B3 Truck Trailers LLC for a 2027 CTS 40- foot Crossgate belly dump trailer during the July 1 meeting.

Both bids were approved unanimously. The truck and trailer will be used by the county Road and Bridge Department. Road and Bridge Supervisor Michael Billings attended the bid openings and later updated commissioners on county roads, rock supplies, employees and current projects.

Commissioners also authorized Billings on July 9 to purchase fenders for the county’s 2020 Volvo truck.

Concerns involving road rock were discussed July 2. Commissioners contacted Brad Halmerson of Viking Aggregates, who later told the commission the issue would be resolved.

The commission continued work on the County Road 963 bridge project. Commissioners approved a notice of award for project BRO-R099(001) and signed progress invoices for BRO-R099(001) and BRO-R099(002). Amy Crawford of the Missouri Department of Transportation also met with commissioners July 8 to discuss various road projects.

Several roads and alleyways in the Gorin and Millertown area were formally vacated July 2 following a discussion with Sherri Peterson. Commissioners unanimously approved vacating portions of County Roads 169, 171 and 172, along with eight alleyways in the original Gorin and Millertown area.

Courthouse and county office improvements were another recurring topic during the meetings.

Sheriff Bryan Whitney discussed plans to remodel the women’s jail room on July 8 and July 15. Commissioners had previously transferred an air conditioner from the collector’s former office to the Sheriff’s Office for use in the women’s jail.

The commission also discussed courthouse office renovation projects with contractor Scott Downing and Prosecuting Attorney David Briggs. Downing raised concerns about preparing painting bids when county officeholders were requesting different work. Commissioners later approved invoices from Downing, Countryside Cabinets, Level Up Installs LLC and Electrical Evolution.

Briggs discussed work needed in his new office and provided commissioners with a renovation list.

Commissioners contacted AC Solutions about vents in the county administrative building, Oberholtzer Plumbing about repairing a water fountain and Electrical Evolution about an outlet and an invoice. Three fire extinguishers were delivered to the courthouse by Quincy Fire.

The commission also contacted All Rise Elevator about the telephone in the courthouse elevator.

Possible roof repairs remain under consideration. James G. Staat Tuckpointing and Waterproofing told commissioners the company was reviewing its schedule to arrange an inspection of the courthouse roof.

Recorder of Deeds Teresa Creek reported that her office was unable to electronically record documents. Commissioners contacted NEMR Telecom about installing an additional router and also contacted New Century Computers about the problem.

Cintas representatives discussed courthouse rugs and the supply of paper towels and soap in the county administrative building.

Treasurer Tasha Fadiga received approval to update the name printed on county checks to “Scotland County” and correct the address.

Assessor Michelle VanGorkom discussed her office budget and additional compensation related to parcel work during the July 9 meeting.

The commission also signed a hazard mitigation resolution presented by Batina Dodge of the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission. The hazard mitigation planning process helps local governments remain eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and mitigation funding.

Dr. Jeff Davis introduced Ed Lewis, a candidate for the 18th District Missouri Senate seat, during the July 1 meeting. Lewis discussed issues affecting Scotland County with commissioners.

Commissioners also notified Brian Briggs and Jason Small that the county Board of Equalization was scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. July 20.

The commission entered closed session three times July 2, once July 8 and once July 15. No action resulting from those closed sessions was reported in the regular-session minutes.

Presiding Commissioner Duane Ebeling, Eastern District Commissioner Brent Rockhold and Western District Commissioner David Wiggins attended the meetings. County Clerk Tammy Kirchner was absent July 8 and July 9.