Newton County Commission Questions & Answers

01/27/2023

State of the County 2018 - 2022

In 2018 Presiding Commissioner Bill Reiboldt, was elected to a 4-year term. Presiding Commissioner Reiboldt served 8 years as State Representative for the area. Bill serves at following Boards: JCPHA - Jasper County Public Housing Authority, AAA- Area Agency on Aging, WIB - Workforce Investment Board, and Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, EX-Officio. Born and raised in Newton County, Bill lives on the family farm, where the farming operation is still very active. Having mentioned this, it is quite natural that he carries the yoke of the Newton County Commission.

Alan Cook serves as Newton County Commissioner in District 1. He was elected for a four-year term in 2012, 2016, and again in 2020. Alan currently serves as Vice President of the Southwest Missouri Association of County Commissioners and President of the Missouri Southern State University Athletic Steering Committee. He is also a Board Member of Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, 911 Oversight Board, Crowder Joint Land Use, and Region M. Alan is striving to keep our county investments consistent and proportional for both personnel as well as capital needs. He has extensive knowledge of Newton County procedures and assured together with the County Auditor Charlotte Ward that every County audit has been clean and transparent, and our financial rating remains solid.

Commissioner District 2, David Osborn, was elected to a 4-year term in 2020. He serves on the Environmental Task Force Council, Economic Security Board, Clean Air Commission, MU Extension Council, and Transportation Advisory Committee. One of David's most recent accomplishments during the first 40 days of office was to introduce, The Newton County Missouri Second Amendment Preservation Act, Safety Ordinance.

2019 was a significant year when Newton County Commission bid out the installation of a county wide unified IT System. The bid for the county wide unified IT System was awarded to Stronghold Data. The unified IT System is monitored on a 24/7 basis to ensure an effluent IT data process, data safety and to prevent attacks from IT cybercrimes, which is more important than ever in this day and time.

This unified IT System also included the installation of new telephones and implementing a new billing route thru Stronghold Data, which results in a saving of $90,000 per year.

In 2021 Newton County Commission established an inhouse construction team which performs inhouse carpentry and repairs of all Newton County buildings, such as Courthouse, Judicial Center, Jail, CDC, and Historical Museum. The inhouse construction team saved the county over $13,000 by constructing a special filing system at the Juvenile Office, saved approximately $9,000 by building a counter at the Sheriff’s Department, saved $10,000 by putting up a fence at CDC, saved $7,000 by renovating the Prosecutor’s office, and other custom construction projects.

The construction team is also remodeling the Canopy Building which was purchased by Newton County Commission in 2021 for the purpose to provide more space for the Court and other office needs. A special accomplishment was the carpentry of a replica of the Judge’s Dias as copied from the Historical Courtroom.

Newton County Commission, under the oversight of Commissioner Osborn, saved the County in 2022, $110,000 for fixing the Sewer System at the Newton County Jail. A method was used by digging under and thru the storm drain. The Commission worked well together with City Inspector and Allgeier Martin & Associates to find a common solution.

Top improvements during the last 4 years were:
New Bridge Superstructure on Tiger Road.
Streambank Stabilization at Quail Road and Indian Creek, Seneca.
Installation of new AC Unit at 911.
Installation of Security Cameras.
Sewer Project at Newton County Jail.
Newton County 911 Emergency Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Newton County 911 Emergency Generator.
Newton County Emergency Management Mass Notification.

On the financial side, sales tax revenue had a 15.12% increase in 2021. The County gave all eligible county employees a 4.5% Cost of Living increase and adopted an extra holiday day, which adds up to 13 days paid holidays per year for their employees. Full time employees receive paid health insurance coverage with supplemental plans available. Newton County also provides a retirement plan, vacation accrual and other benefits.

In 2020 Newton County Commission received $6.8 million in CARES Act Funding and supported Newton County in its response and recovery from COVID-19.

In 2021 the County received $5.6 million and in 2022 the County received $5.6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The County Road Districts collectively improved over 85 miles of county-maintained road using the ¼ cent Road Sales Tax Funding.

Under Commissioner’s Cook oversight, the County has partnered with the City of Neosho on a BRO funded, bridge replacement project over Hickory Creek on Coler Street. The County has awarded engineering services and construction begun in April 2022.

Spring has arrived, and Newton County Commission saved the County $3,700 per year by doing their own landscaping around the courthouse, and it looks beautiful!

Newton County Commission, June 1, 2022

12/27/2018

State of the County 2010 – 2018

You elected me to serve as your watchdog over the expenditures of your hard earned tax dollars and I have remained vigilant to that priority. You now deserve a report on results of my 8 year term as Presiding Commissioner.

Because of an economic downturn, the reserve fund for the County ending 2010 was $863,505.81. I am extremely pleased to exit 2018 with a reserve fund of $3,693,700.72. This reserve serves as a type of county savings account in case of an economic emergency for any county and should contain operating expenses for 6 months up to one year. The total budget for 2018 is $25,668,974.10

The operating expenses for 2010 were $9,819,156.57.

In 2018 an operating budget of $10,536,723.20 was anticipated.

County growth toward First Class County status based on assessed evaluation of the county was $697,266,246.00 in 2010. It is now $ 877,944,445.00 in 2018.

• Cost of living salary increases have seen a total increase including this year’s offer of 12.5% during the previous 8 years as well as a reduction to a 37.5 hour work week for several positions.

• Newton County continues to offer 12 paid holiday days per year.

• Full time employees receive paid health insurance coverage with supplemental plans available. Newton County also provides a retirement plan, vacation accrual and other benefits. And beginning 2019 the full time hourly base rate following any probation period will be $12.00 per hour.

Many sophisticated software programs have been implemented including a Tyler Bookkeeping system and a Superion System, for law enforcement, 911 and emergency management, to provide state of the art communication throughout the County and State. This process has been slow, it’s been painful, but is necessary to remain relevant in Government today.

We have made an effort to keep our county investments consistent and proportional for both personnel as well as capital needs.

Based on increased security requirements in today’s society and because space became a critical issue, we made the financial and social decision to relocate our judicial system to a historical building of 1,700 square feet, located just across the street from the Courthouse and to continue to remain located on our Historical Square at an amazing per foot cost. We can now boast of a more secure and efficient delivery of our county judicial services to our staff and our citizens, as well as meeting our increasing criminal justice needs.

The County has added an expanded employee policy manual that meets the requirements of federal, state and insurance regulations. It is continually reviewed and updated to meet personnel standards.

Since 2011 the County has developed a flag and a county seal, and is making an effort to clearly mark all county vehicles in the county fleet.

Every County audit has been clean and transparent and our financial rating remains solid.

In 2011 the voters approved an earmarked ¼ cent sales tax dedicated to county roads and bridges. As of 2018 we had collected $12,198,444.39 thus enabling us to improve 480 miles of county roads. This tax money is accounted for separately and dispensed to each road district based on the miles in that district.

We are presently in the process of renovating the Courthouse and restoring our old historical courtroom for public tours and use during business hours by reservation.

Our Sheriff’s department, 911 and emergency management department continue to implement updates in their facilities and radio systems in order to meet the highest standards of the State. Expansion plans for additional bed space are presently underway at the jail facility.

We have continued to remain diligent with money expenditures but we recognize the need to remain progressive as the County moves toward First Class Status. I am personally proud of the progress we have accomplished.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of this “decade of growth” for the County that my family has chosen to make our home since 1970.

Marilyn Ruestman – Presiding Commissioner, 2011- 2018

06/05/2017

Question: Did Newton County receive a Federal Disaster Declaration from flooding?

Answer: Yes! Use the link below to register for assistance.

 unlocking additional federal funding to affected individuals and communities. The Governor’s May 24 disaster request estimated total losses and expenses of over $86M: 

03/16/2017

Question:

What are the goals of the new county-wide financial system?

Answer:

1. EFFICIENCY
Presently the county does a tremendous amount of reporting and calculation, thus the opportunity for errors. The new system will allow employees to focus on other tasks.

2. ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PUBLIC
The spending of taxpayer money should be immensely accountable. This system provides sound documentation for all expenditures.

3. ACCESSIBILITY/SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES
Departments and employees will be able to access pertinent information.

4. ANALYSIS
The new system will automatically calculate and generate reports to multiple users.

5. MEET AUDIT RECOMENDATIONS
Assist in meeting audit requests for uniform practices and consistent policy, education and enforcement. This cloud system will protect the system regardless of local incidents.

02/17/2017

Question:

What Commission meetings are open to the public?

Answer:

All County Commission meetings are open to the public.

The business meetings are generally conducted on Wednesday at 10:30 am.

The Commission office, located in the Courthouse, is open to the public 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Thursday.

If a special personal time is required, the Commission will set an appointment. Call 417-451-8223.

02/14/2017

Question:

What Commission meetings are open to the public?

Answer:

All County Commission meetings are open to the public.

The business meetings are generally conducted on Wednesday at 10:30 am.

The Commission office, located in the Courthouse, is open to the public 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Thursday.

If a special personal time is required, the Commission will set an appointment. Call 417-451-8223.

01/09/2017

Question:

Will barriers be in place in front of the new court's building to prevent vehicles from jumping the curb and running thru the front of the building?

Answer:

The Commission's intent is to have safety bollards located in front of the new justice building. We presently have a request pending with the City of Neosho traffic department.

10/04/2016

Question:

How does the County Road Sales Tax work and what have been the results?

Answer:

Newton County placed a quarter-cent sales tax on the November 2011 ballot to help support the county roads and bridges system. The wording on the ballot was: “Shall the County of Newton impose a countywide sales tax at the rate of ¼ of 1% for a period of 6 (six) years from the date on which such tax is first imposed for the purpose of roads and bridges?”

Taxes to distribute formula: 50% of funds available are distributed to eight districts based on their respective miles; 50% of funds available are distributed to six districts (excluding Joplin Special Road District & Neosho Special Road District) based on their respective miles.

The projects that qualify for the Sales Tax monies are any improvement that progresses the road to a hard surface. The processes mentioned that qualify are: blade patch, chip and seal, asphalt, leveling course, any process that will involve oil as a factor, and base rock in preparation for hard surface.

There have been around 300 miles of roads surface improvements using this Sales Tax.

08/11/2016

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Question: Why did Newton County NOT close the Courthouse for Veteran’s Day in 2015?

Answer:
New Year’s Day 2015 fell on a Thursday and we polled most office holders to determine whether they would prefer that following Friday to be closed in exchange for Veterans Day. Everyone polled wanted to have New Year’s Friday off, which would give employees a 4 day weekend for families to share.

The Commission considers it our responsibility and concern to serve the residents of the County consistently. We were open on Veteran’s Day 2015, as were the schools and most businesses and busy serving people in the courthouse taking care of business. The Courthouse did hold a ceremony in the vestibule to honor local Veterans.

Twelve closures a year to celebrate holidays, cost taxpayers approximately $300,000 per year (approximately $25,000 per day). This is an employee benefit we are pleased to be able to offer.

In 2016, the Courthouse will again be closed for Veterans Day,
however; an event honoring Veterans will also be held that week.

08/10/2016

Question: Why did Newton County NOT close the Courthouse for Veteran’s Day in 2015?

Answer:
New Year’s Day 2015 fell on a Thursday and we polled most office holders to determine whether they would prefer that following Friday to be closed in exchange for Veterans Day. Everyone polled wanted to have New Year’s Friday off, which would give employees a 4 day weekend for families to share.

The Commission considers it our responsibility and concern to serve the residents of the County consistently. We were open on Veteran’s Day 2015, as were the schools and most businesses and busy serving people in the courthouse taking care of business. The Courthouse did hold a ceremony in the vestibule to honor local Veterans.

Twelve closures a year to celebrate holidays, cost taxpayers approximately $300,000 per year (approximately $25,000 per day). This is an employee benefit we are pleased to be able to offer.

In 2016, the Courthouse will again be closed for Veterans Day,
however; an event honoring Veterans will also be held that week.

08/01/2016

Question: Does the County Commission have any authority over salaries of elected officials?

Answer: No Authority

Refer to Missouri Revised Statues Chapter 50;
Section 50.327: The salary commission in all counties except charter counties in this state shall be responsible for the computation of salaries of all county officials; provided, however, that any percentage salary adjustments in a county shall be equal for all such officials in that county.

In every county, the salary commission shall meet at least once before November thirtieth of each odd-numbered year.

The members of the salary commission shall be:
(1) The Recorder of Deeds
(2) The County Clerk
(3) The County Prosecuting Attorney
(4) The County Sheriff
(5) The County Commissioners
(6) The County Collector
(7) The County Treasurer
(8) The County Assessor
(9) The County Auditor
(10) The County Public Administrator
(11) The County Coroner

2015 Order Established by the Salary Commission
The Salary Commission for Newton County hereby certifies that it has met pursuant to law. The Salary Commission reports that the new base salary for each office as mandated by the official’s salary schedule due to changes in assessed valuation will be as follows for 2016:

Coroner $26,000
Presiding Commissioner $41,000
Associate Commissioner $39,000
Sheriff $62,600
Recorder $53,000
Collector $53,000
Treasurer $53,000
Assessor $53,000
Auditor $53,000
County Clerk $53,000
Public Administrator $53,000

07/26/2016

The Commission had been asked a question; what control does the County Commission have over the SB 40 Board?

The answer is simple; none.

The only responsibility granted by state statute to the Commission is to appoint members to the board when there is a vacancy. The County Commission has absolutely no authority over the granting or expenditure of funding associated with the SB 40 Board. Those decisions are made solely by the members of the SB 40 Board.

Senate Bill 40 boards are legal county boards for developmentally disabled adults founded by Mentally Re****ed Citizens of Missouri (MRC) in 1965.
Services provided can include transportation, sheltered workshops, residential facilities, vocational and other related programs and services.

The tax levy varies in different counties depending on the ballot language as approved by voters. In Newton County the levy is .0598%.

SB 40 funds are collected at the end of the year when you pay your real estate and personal property taxes and then dispensed by the County Collector. RSMo 205.968