The Dent County Commission met for its weekly meetings Thursday, July 24 and Monday, July 28. In attendance included presiding commissioner Gary Larson, first district commissioner Keith Green, second district commissioner Jimmy Williams, and county clerk Angie Curley.
Deloris Gray Wood, president of the Dent County Historical Society, requested the use of the Dent County Courthouse lawn to help celebrate the courthouse’ 155th birthday Saturday, Sept. 6, as well as an event in remembrance of the WWII US Army Airforce that died in Dent County on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. The commissioners approved the use of the lawn, with Larson cautioning he would need to learn more about when the sidewalk project would begin.
Wood shared that she would be inviting retired Judge Sanborn Ball to speak at the ceremony Sept. 6, possibly inviting citizens to the courtroom to hear historical facts. The ceremony would end with a presentation by Kent Nichols. The event would tentatively begin at 4 p.m.
Larson reported that he attended the Tourism Committee meeting on Monday, in which members received three application requests—with two applications approved, one denied, and two reimbursements approved. A letter was received from Hambacker thanking the Tourism Committee regarding the Frisco Trail.
Green addressed citizen concerns regarding damage caused by the Dent County Public Water District on County Road 4180. The district, being a membership entity, falls outside the county commission jurisdiction; however, efforts will be made to invite the district board for discussion at a future meeting.
Curley reported that bills and payroll were approved. She reminded all districts, including cities, schools, hospital, health, fire, ambulance, SB40, and senior service, that ProForma Tax Rate forms should arrive soon. Tax rate hearings will need to be set as soon as possible, reminded Curley.
Denita Williams, treasurer, reported on CART Tax, reporting $89,339.41 was received, increasing 8.7%. Sales tax was also reported:
• GR/Law received $84,102.40, up from last year 4.2%
• Road and bridge received $38,855.32, up from last year 5.1%
• Jails received $78,132.45, up from last year 5.1%
Representative Derrick Marfitt, emergency management director, and Jeff Banderet, Great Rivers Engineering (GRE), presented engineering agreements for road and bridge improvements. Two smaller projects (county roads 5150 and 3210) were proposed at $25,500 each, totaling $51,000. A larger bridge replacement on County Road 4210 was proposed at $145,000, with expanded scope. FEMA reimbursements are pending, but the commission voted unanimously to approve all agreements for the three FEMA-related bridges.
Banderet will not begin any work until he hears from the commission to proceed the project, awaiting FEMA funding.
GRE addressed courthouse sidewalk lighting options, recommending an alternative solution that could save $40,000. Further evaluations will be made to explore alternative overhead lighting.
Discussion continued on FLAP Project #077 near Montauk. Phase 1 involves curve widening at a cost of $4,000, which falls within the fully funded project budget of approximately $800,000. A supplemental agreement is forthcoming.
Carrie Sutterfield, economic development director for City of Salem, visited to discuss the upcoming MRPC Special Waste Collection Day scheduled for Sept. 13, requesting volunteer support. Larson will follow-up.
Noah Gates, Tri-State Truck Center, briefed the commission on the state bid pricing for a 2026 Mack dump truck. The commission opted to defer the decision pending FEMA funding confirmation.
Chris Holliday presented recommendations for reappointment of Dean Jones, Lori Plank, and Camron Erway to the IDA Board. The commission approved the reappointments unanimously.
A public comment received by a resident on County Road 4020 relayed that the hill was still in rough shape.
First District Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be brush cutting on county roads 5015, 5080, and patched on 5080, preparing for chip and seal. Grading will be completed on county roads 5590 and 5600. A pipe will be installed on County Road 4210.
Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members will be grading on county roads 2200, 2340, 4340, and 3233. Hauling rock will be completed on County Road 3233.
First District Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be getting a tire for the brush cutters, as a tire was blown recently. Brush cutting will be completed on County Road 5080 and 5085. Grader blades will be changed on two different grades and then the grading equipment will be moved to the Bunker area.
Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members will be installing driveway pipes on county roads 2050, 2010, and 2110, and hauling rock will be completed on those same roads. A broken limb will be removed from County Road 3233. Grading will be completed on county roads 4290, 2180, 2183, and 2185.
