Presiding Commissioner Steve Daleske call the meeting of the Benton County Commission to order at 9:00 AM on January 27 at the Benton County Courthouse Board Room. Those present included: District 1 Commissioner Larry Berry and District 2 Commissioner Scott Harms. Visitors included David Malecki, Gary Batson and Ricky Hinkley.
Gary Batson spoke with the Commissioners to request information pertaining to the year that the assessment threshold changed, that allowed for county officials to receive a salary increase as provided by Statute. He also requested information for employees for that same year. County Clerk Susan Porterfield will compile the requested documentation and mail it to Batson at 31340 Forthview Road, Edwards, MO 65326. He also requested to view the 2025 budget record. County Clerk Porterfield presented this information for his perusal.
Later in the meeting, during this Commission session, Batson was provided with a copy of the 2021 salary commission meeting minutes and a copy of Missouri statute information that provides for county officials’ raises in the event of an assessed valuation increase. He was also given gross and net salary information for all employees for fiscal year 2022. It was noted that the 2021 salary commission met in November/December, 2021, and any decisions reached in this meeting took effect in January, 2022. He indicated that this is the information he was seeking.
A telephone conference call was conducted with Rachel Wolf from TectronIQ, pertaining to the county commissioner’s laptop computer in the office. It was noted that this equipment is out of date and needs to be replaced. An update of this equipment will be necessary in the future.
The 10:00 AM meeting that was scheduled with the Assessor, Recorder and E-911 Director was cancelled by the E-911 Director, who indicated that she is reviewing new information that she has received.
County Clerk Porterfield submitted bills for approval and payment. She also noted receipt of the County’s cyber security policy.
The Commissioners discussed the recent events in Henry County surrounding Evergy property and possible fly ash contamination. They will reach out to federal, state and local entities for further information.
County Treasurer Rick Renno presented his weekly financial report.
