As we begin the second half of 2018 we at the commissioner’s office look forward to the many challenges that no doubt will present themselves. We have had a good first half of 2018, and are confident the last six months will be rewarding.
The following is just a few of the many accomplishments that have been obtained for the betterment of Texas County:
•The 16th district of commissioners is represented by District 1 Commissioner John Casey, who has made many telephone calls and has made several trips to the capital in Jefferson City to discuss some of the legislative bills that could have a positive or negative impact on our region. This is John’s second term held in that position. He was nominated and unanimously elected by the representatives from the counties that makeup the l6th District. If you have questions about a certain bill working its way through the House or Senate John will entertain your questions and find out the answers.
•Doyle Heiney, the District 2 commissioner, has been busy with the South Central Solid Waste and Ozark Action. These two organizations meet numerous times throughout the year in an effort to better serve the citizens in our region.
•It has been reported the Texas County Commission is in talks with a computer-controlled heating and cooling system for the Texas County Justice Center and the Texas County Administrative Center in an effort to reduce the high cost to the taxpayers for utilities. This is a project the commissioners have been looking at for a long time in an effort to reduce the high cost of utilities. We were advised one of the roof top units has some defective parts and the cost to replace them will run in the neighborhood of $12,000. This is an unexpected expense at a time when the cooling system is working the hardest to maintain a comfortable inside temperature. Our maintenance staff will continue to monitor and report to the commission of any other changes on this issue. As a response to the bid placed in the local papers, we had a pre-bid meeting Thursday, June 28. EPM of Fulton was the only pre-bid received.
•The commission has been attempting to work with the University of Missouri to obtain an agriculture educator full time to work with our local agriculture population, FFA, 4-H, fair board, young farmers, etc., to make needed improvements. Texas County is the largest county in the Missouri and maintains the largest cattle population.
•The county joined the Missouri Farmers Care program, which is designed to help reduce restrictions and red tape in an effort to bring attention to this region and promote agriculture in our area. Knowing the importance of agriculture to our area we are hopeful these two entities will be able to streamline and assist our local people with the many challenges associated with agriculture. With the new proposal from the Extension we have been assigned another nutritionist, which is a position the commissioners feel is an unnecessary position that does nothing to promote our region’s largest employer and revenue stream. We would ask anyone interested in having a voice with the Extension’s decision to call your local Extension office to show support for an agriculture educator for Texas County at 417-967-4545.
•We have received a couple of resumes from people interested in our emergency management director and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
•Along the line of economic development, the commission has been involved with MoDOT, the City of Cabool and several local business owners to re-route local traffic from the industrial park going east and west from Cabool Industrial Park along Highway 181.
•We want to congratulate Robert Ross, our local state representative, as the MVP for the Missouri vs Illinois legislative baseball game played at Busch Stadium. Robert is doing a great job for our region in Jefferson City.
•We also wish to congratulate Mrs. Betty Crow on her 90thbirthday. Some of her accomplishments include past collector-treasurer and presiding commissioner appointed by then Gov. John Ashcroft.
We continue to strive to do what is good and in the best interest of the county.
Anyone having questions or comments is urged to call 417-967-3222.
— Commissioners John Casey, Doyle Heiney and Fred Stenger