News – Tuesday, May 20th 2025

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said his crew would be replacing some signs, as well as putting up some new ones. He said pipes will be replaced Tuesday, depending on the predicted storms. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that Conservation Rock is still being hauled, and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2530. Williams noted that the Conservation Rock contract has be filled by the 23rd, which his crew will accomplish. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he received a message from City Administrator Sally Burbridge that electrical service to the courthouse would be run from the Jail and would cost $35,451, which the Commission has accounted for in the TAP Grant. The service would be partially overhead and partially underground. Larson also stated that he would be attending a Tourism Commission meeting Monday at 5:00. At 10:00 the commission opened bids for the Salt Shed construction at the Road and Bridge Shed. Thomas Excavating and Building submitted a bid for $31,000 and Gray Construction’s bid was for $23,880. The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the Gray Construction bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem right-of-way crews will resume tree trimming and clearing around electric distribution lines beginning this week and continuing through the end of June. This work is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and is required by Missouri state statute. Trimming and clearing will take place in the area roughly north of 2nd and 3rd Streets and east of portions of Highway 19. A map outlining the specific locations will be available for public viewing at the City of Salem Administrative Offices. The goals of the program are to safely provide citizens with electricity, work safely and efficiently, minimize negative impacts on the environment, protect the electric distribution system, comply with federal, state, and local regulations; reduce power outages and minimize storm cleanup and safety hazards. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents. The City appreciates the cooperation of property owners in helping us protect the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order of the outgoing Board the roll call was taken, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, and the review and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The bills were then reviewed, approved and signed, plus the budget was reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 27 calls for April and 127 calls for the year-to-date. With no old business, the Board declared the election results where the 3.5-million-dollar bond issue passed with an in-favor vote of 63.65%. Also elected to 6-year terms were Leigh Ann Price, Jeff Stokes Jr., and John Knight. The outgoing Board then adjourned Sine Die. The Oath of Office was administered by the Secretary to Price, Stokes and Knight, followed by the call to order by the Incoming Board. Officer election results were Mike Godi, Chair/President, Dave Wells, Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Stokes, Budget Officer, and Dennis Floyd, Custodian of Records. In new business L. J. Hart and Company were present to report on the bond. They noted that there is a 30-day waiting period in case the election is contested, then the bonds will be distributed. The Board approved a resolution for the sale and issuance of the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds, of the Dent County Fire Protection District to L.J.Hart & Company. The Board voted to have an audit conducted every year which will be turned in by June. Signature cards were signed for all documents necessary for banking accounts and CD accounts. The Board voted that Progressive Ozark Bank signatures will be by all of the Board members. The Board then reviewed and updated  the by-laws. Section V Amendment for Electronic Meetings was approved by the Board. Section II change to read minimum age 30 was approved 4-0, with 1 abstention. Also, a motion was made and carried that Board members must reside in the district for 2 years. A Website for the department was presented and reviewed. The approximate cost would be $10 to $30 per year. After reviewing the Website was approved to keep patrons of the department informed of events. The Treasurer presented information about the acquisition of the 7-month CD at Town & Country Bank at 4.25%. Chief Floyd presented the Board with pictures of the decals that are proposed for the new truck. He then reported that the pumper tanker can have a letter of intent placed on the truck locking in the price at $430,000.00. He was also asked to get the best price for 3 trucks. After discussion the Board passed a motion to sign a letter of intent for 2 trucks in order to lock in the price at current rates. Chief Floyd then presented quotes from Sentinel for SCBA for $118,845.85 and $45,000.00 for skid units for the new trucks. He said that due to tariffs these must be purchased now to lock in the prices and quantities. After discussion a motion was made to accept the bids that were presented. The next meeting for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors was set for June 10th at 6:00 at the Fire Station pending any necessary changes from insurance representatives.