The Dent County Commission met for its weekly meeting Thursday, Nov. 7. In honor of Veteran’s Day, no meeting was held Monday, Nov. 11, during which the commissioners signed a letter of Declaration of County Emergency Disaster.
In attendance were presiding commissioner Gary Larson, first district commissioner Wes Mobray, second district commissioner Gary Polk, and county clerk Angie Curley. Derrick Marfitt, Emergency Management Director of Dent County, reported to commission that they’ve begun damage assessment with FEMA Representatives, regarding the record flooding from the previous week. SEMA has offered equipment for the county to utilize.
FEMA is recommending the county borrow funds until FEMA can reimburse the county. The commission will be communicating with Treasurer Denita Williams for further assistance on the process. The county is temporarily fixing the roads to make them passable until further action can be taken.
Marfitt recommends any county residents to reach out to the Emergency Management Facebook to report damages. He expects the county could be at four million dollars in damages. Brett Hendrix, SEMA, presented a letter of Declaration of County Emergency Disaster, which the commission then signed. Governor Parsons also declared a state of emergency throughout the state.
“The unfortunate part of any disaster is finding the funding to repair. We have to rely on FEMA making a declaration in order to be eligible to receive money and start repairing,” wrote Marfitt, on his Emergency Management Facebook.
FEMA will be in Dent County the week of Nov. 18. FEMA personnel, SEMA personnel, and Dent County personnel will be surveying the area. This will be in accordance with FEMA guidelines, further wrote Marfitt.
Grant Wilson, Representative from Congressman Jason Smith’s office, stated they have been monitoring the disaster in Dent County from the flooding. Once the assessments have been conducted, they are ready to assist in any way they can, said Wilson.
Meanwhile, Curley thanked the voters of Dent County for getting out and making their voices heard. There was a turnout of 70% of registered voters. Records were broken on absentee and no excuse absentee voting. She thanked the emergency personnel, poll workers, her staff, polling location set-up crews, and all that made the election day a smooth, efficient process.
“It was not a typical day. We had weather conditions that made it a challenge that morning and had to relocate a few poll workers, but we made it work,” reported Curley. “We had a poll worker who was headed to the polls and was rescued when her car stalled in the water.”
Poll workers go through training and take an Oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, further stated Curley. Two poll workers lost their lives in Wright County and paid the ultimate price because they believed in democracy.
“Please thank the poll worker for making sure you had a ballot, and your voice was heard and please remember these families in your prayers who lost their lives,” shared Curley.
Shannon Vankirk, county collector, gave her monthly report: $25,486.81 has been collected; the turnover amounts are $37,749, including surtax and interest. Tax bills for 2024 were mailed out Nov. 5.
With Curley certifying the election results to the commission in the next few days, Vankirk wanted to speak on Senate Bill 190, which passed. Vankirk reminded the commission to start planning on the application process and proper procedures so the process can begin in the spring of 2025.
Williams reported sales tax received for the month:
• General revenue and law enforcement: $87,156.67; up YTD 6.25%.
• Road and bridge: $40,498.95; up YTD 5.7%.
• Jail: $81,419.91; up YTD 5.8%.
District One Commissioner Wes Mobray
Crew members have been out doing road repairs throughout the county. County Road 4210 is currently closed, and the bridge is out.
District Two Commissioner Gary Polk
Crew members have been out attempting to make roads passable.
