The Dent County Commission met for its weekly meetings Thursday, May 15 and Monday, May 19. In attendance included presiding commissioner Gary Larson, first district commissioner Keith Green, second district commissioner Jimmy Williams, and deputy county clerk Crystal Pilkington.
Green encourages the public to have patience with county road crews, as the recent turbulent weather patterns and equipment malfunctions have caused delays to scheduling and road maintenance. He noted that most complaints he has received are already on a list that crew members are working through. Williams echoed that sentiment.
“It’s hard to get people to be patient, but these two have had a lot thrown at them since they’ve been here with the storms and everything,” said Larson. “Plus, taking care of storms that were here before they got here, you know, so be patient.”
Larson attended the Ozark River Solid Waste Management District meeting, reviewing grants and other agenda items.
Further, Larson received a notice that Highway TT is now open after several pipes have been repaired. More pipes will need repaired later, so that opening of the highway is only temporary.
Larson also received a message that Standing Rock Bridge is completed.
Larson reminds the public that there will be an MRPC collection day on appliances, electronics, and tires at Brewer Science June 14 from 8 a.m. to noon. Another collection day will occur in Salem on Sept. 13.
During the county commission May 12, Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax:
• General revenue: $88,525.67 – a decrease from last May $315.04 and down year-to-date $1,039.31, and down .3%
• Jails: $88,940.92 – an increase from last May $4,693.49 and up year-to-date $29,090.16, and up 7%
• Road and bridge: $44,262.67—an increase from last May $2,350.04 and up year-to-date $14,506.35 and up 7%
Also Monday, May 12, Collector Shannon VanKirk reported an April monthly turnover of $142,432.26.
Commissioners met again Monday morning and were to open bids on the salt shed at the road department, about 10 a.m.
In Larson’s report he shared Sally Burbridge from City of Salem shared the cost for electricity to the courthouse will be a total of $34,451. The budget previously reflected that cost and the funds are still available after the courthouse renovations.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be out grading county roads 6054, 6020, and 4480. Another crew member will be out grading where needed.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members will be around the conservation area at County Road 2530, hauling rock and grading. District one will be assisting with hauling rock.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crews will be doing sign work, both replacing and adding in various spots. In addition, they will replace and add pipes.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
County road 2530 will have rock hauled and grading work down, hopefully finishing today.
