[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6670637,"mediaKeyId","2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e","parentId",2172167,"title","Cole County raises mileage reimbursement, advances pay-scale and budget items as commission prepares final 2025 budget","audioSeconds",1672,"startMs",1509000,"endMs",3181000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e&start=1509&end=3181","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e/thumbnail_1509000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6670637/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-raises-mileage-reimbursement-advances-pay-scale-and-budget-items-as-commission-prepares-final-2025-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670637-ada4e3112a0efbb19b9aacc37cff1cc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182495&Signature=QMlBA4MAQDt~wLmyK-pIGXzk9wFH2KYBCj0-F7Fdko6vD8KZY9bRSdf-gYKYojG~HMUp8GUjUwJSHyIBUehWpX8jTp13dMKkVCk45njrMwUs4ssgvrHK33lw63h0IsVoYRsmvkwisKZAJzg11Da8HkPN16E12nfxyvW9h3-uW85vHRQLQm3kNYfN3xTyDUCMioEo0E35BIF~E5jPrPFMG2iIJFZXG8GlwUIMLPrX5SZk220gZ2uvKhuoRLNkBvr9P1oIZJxKl9KQLnn7ysThzZsIIs41Qe4NLJOAaRWPrKNvNNLZyPiAH26FnmPWSzF7gpsvc0lXmTsCtPvdtcEHKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cole County","date","2025-01-01T05:26:06.567Z","article","Cole County commissioners voted to change the county's standard mileage reimbursement to 65.5 cents per mile effective Jan. 1, 2025, aligning the county closer to the state rate. The motion passed by voice vote at the Dec. 24 meeting.

During an extended budget discussion, commissioners reviewed proposed 2025 salary and benefit items. The commission indicated support for a uniform cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a $500-per-employee stipend plus a 2.2% COLA, and approved moving forward with those numbers for the draft budget. Commissioners also approved adoption of an EMS pay schedule change, to take effect with the first full pay period in January 2025.

Commissioners agreed to place a series of salary-reserve lines in the draft 2025 budget for key departments. Notable items discussed included salary reserve amounts for Road & Bridge (initial request of roughly $114,500 plus benefits), assessment office staffing reserves (commissioners agreed to set aside $30,000 in a dedicated reserve), and a general-fund salary reserve figure of approximately $277,000 to be managed through HR and the auditor as departments refine job descriptions and pay recommendations.

County staff noted that many of the salary-reserve figures will require HR review and final approvals before funds are expended, and that final budget numbers will be published and available to the public prior to the Jan. 7 budget hearing and final approval. Commissioners emphasized the draft numbers are intended as placeholders in a cash-basis budget and that final figures will incorporate actual cash balances as of Jan. 1.

No formal vote on the complete final budget occurred at the meeting; the commission will hold a public budget hearing and vote on the final 2025 budget on Jan. 7.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","12-24-2024 Cole County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission voted to increase the county standard mileage reimbursement to 65.5 cents per mile effective Jan. 1, 2025, and approved several payroll-related motions including an EMS pay-schedule change and COLA proposals while setting salary reserve amounts pending final budget approval.","taxTitle","Cole County, Missouri","taxId",65809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670642,"Cole County approves equipment purchases, awards stormwater contract and authorizes jail backflow replacement",229,93000,322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e&start=93&end=322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e/thumbnail_93000.jpg","/articles/6670642/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-approves-equipment-purchases-awards-stormwater-contract-and-authorizes-jail-backflow-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670642-622e4b026c7653b9dfce45786e6e5409/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182495&Signature=V6Gz2pYkXps9zDwYXzpm9Itl6AIz1Iguih~U60qhKiZO3bsjeJLtDRg6ebUDHnY79piKxq1B9Q0s5LYaO-vhlzmdCXaz38cLqLSyerezU2whzHFibuqA6J~QJdMXwgfDe0Enw~WoXw2tQ-Il9EiAX4S8WDdi~crOQy8KL-j6PX72nCZqzvBCDKLyjxSSk~xBUkny2RGOVdsfSzoFskpmh5cMu36EzMvnXj40HIZc-2v6CC~-vyUTy~1JsjWTnCEb136MjKcSpmt1Pz8P5psRzQSAi-jAfkrriPmwfoWHNDj13pBiEF-cxoY4q0tmu~UX-LqsttMg0iIOgHHUpYh72A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cole County commissioners approved multiple procurement items at the Dec. 24 meeting, including purchases for Public Works, a stormwater contract award and a small maintenance authorization for the old jail.

Public Works requested approval to purchase a Superior broom mid-mount street sweeper to add to the county fleet; staff said the unit is more effective for sweeping during paving, chip sealing, shoulder work and storm cleanup. The commission approved the purchase at a quoted cost of $92,302 from Martin Equipment Company; staff said the item was included in the county's proposed 2025 budget.

The commission also approved the purchase of a Ford F-550 4x4 cab and chassis from Joe Machens Ford Lincoln at $71,125 on state contract. Public Works said the chassis will replace an older unit (truck number 240) that will be declared surplus; the county plans to obtain the spreader and plow under a separate state contract and then build the truck bed in-house.

Bids opened Dec. 20 for the Galena Drive stormwater improvements (Project No. 2024-205-1); the low responsive bid was TB Dozing & Excavation LLC at $64,699.90, below the engineer's estimate of $66,000. Public Works recommended award of the base bid, and the commission executed the construction contract. Staff said the stormwater project will be funded with ARPA dollars.

For the old jail building, staff reported that parts for the existing steel backflow device are no longer available; the county authorized Greg Camp to order a full backflow replacement at a quoted price of $4,970 so the device can continue serving the courthouse and old jail plumbing systems.

The commission also approved accounts payable as presented by voice vote.

All procurement motions were approved by voice vote; the transcript contains standard \"aye\" responses but does not show detailed roll-call tallies for each item.","The commission approved vendor quotes for a street sweeper and a Ford F-550 chassis, awarded a Galena Drive stormwater bid to TB Dozing & Excavation LLC using ARPA funds, and authorized replacement of a backflow device at the old jail.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670648,"Cole County approves $25,000 commitment to Columbia Regional Airport air service fund as airport seeks restored Denver service",792,396000,1188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e&start=396&end=1188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e/thumbnail_396000.jpg","/articles/6670648/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-approves-25000-commitment-to-Columbia-Regional-Airport-air-service-fund-as-airport-seeks-restored-Denver-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670648-2c2b089904a30243414d6a4ca9c98a03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182495&Signature=Ph7U6PAMdFdJFNHebTmyX4fjuQE~4HHhph1USLsZpg~gV1RHdXVIWtlCRnCwACqREwh-U7MPV646VEpVtItz9e9zUtTYxr1mh-ORrCcPWrZsVX3epcbRTrmFOXKnIDrJalDkynB0BhvkNPM~Rb~LKYZncZFliJWSPSzZh9lnjSpUTAIb6wfX1XTRSMh926J~haGxn8HjHpfmE3uLCyWtreQYJ-2gfODqD0eGozaA9Wbjcn0KsgJ8Wu0P~5auURoC2a~PqPVLRN6NUAla9owHlr5~elOncLVoabZ-ti-~pc6RgvasZ92MkllwPg9IV-L7FWkeX2Er0guKHg7F9uCwhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cole County commissioners approved a $25,000 contribution to the Columbia Regional Airport air service fund during their Dec. 24 meeting after a presentation from City of Columbia staff about recent airport improvements and service expansion plans.

Stacy Buttons, City of Columbia economic development director, presented the airport's recent upgrades, including a new terminal with three boarding bridges, expanded restrooms and a food-and-beverage market using \"Just Walk Out\" technology. Buttons told commissioners the airport has increased amenities and capacity since opening the new terminal a few years ago and that American Airlines currently serves Columbia with flights to Dallas and Chicago.

Buttons said Columbia received a USDOT small community air service development grant to help restore service to Denver and that airport officials were coordinating with airlines to reinstate that route \"ideally early next year.\" She asked the commission to consider contributing to a regional air service fund that serves as matching support for airline negotiations and promotional activity.

A commissioner moved and the commission voted to contribute $25,000 to the air service fund; the commission's roll-call detail was not recorded in the transcript other than a voice vote and an audible \"nay\" from at least one member. The county previously contributed to the fund when carriers launched or expanded service to the region, and staff said the county had participated in similar contributions when United and American previously initiated routes.

Buttons also described ongoing projects at the airport: phase-two construction for a rental-car facility and administrative offices, federally funded parking improvements, and continued airline outreach for routes such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tampa. She said the airport employs about 800 people across a 1,500-acre property and is actively pursuing additional routes in coordination with airlines.

Commissioners discussed whether county funds should be directed to Columbia Regional rather than the Jefferson City airport. Buttons and staff framed the request as part of a regional partnership and economic development strategy.

The commission approved the contribution by voice vote with at least one dissenting voice recorded on the audio; staff will add the approved $25,000 to the economic development budget.","After a presentation by Columbia economic development staff, the commission approved a $25,000 contribution to an air service fund to help restore and expand flights at Columbia Regional Airport, including a bid to reinstate service to Denver using a USDOT small-community grant.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670652,"Cole County adopts senior real estate property tax relief ordinance after months of debate",1061,1950000,3011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e&start=1950&end=3011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172167-35678af2bf3c254f15631dbb64b3bc5e/thumbnail_1950000.jpg","/articles/6670652/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-adopts-senior-real-estate-property-tax-relief-ordinance-after-months-of-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670652-712a0b095dc099c8c3de2be74f01d69f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182495&Signature=jIHTwIyw-r7asDoYsamTUo4yldDw1IP9XSG97MD6727XWqCR-8CkCunnS1rQxNU8ATkxEmrtQSBufqM8s~Lj2mp6N7owOnCvMPG1OlxX0PAvIfrat62EZ4SEmt1aWp1OGE34nMU3CiZcFM4rG59fdJQS6s2KUMyoghnYVI2eyuGUkTeELWFFXuGUq41YOOldgKPmmWS4FWJR3ZXFCLXG3nr9nDsO7MrJVn-ikdZHJYmBy24WNIbbcwyALoNX9qi-N8iHzU9r4VMsQ18iJCSfy1vB7P6nlFexFaSI28xk-wLP~LsHUnH78Kq8GXZXfpmLR-ISG4PotnRfzvMfz7FRAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cole County Commission adopted an ordinance establishing a senior real estate property tax relief program that will take effect with the 2025 tax assessment.

The ordinance, passed at the commission's Dec. 24 meeting, permits eligible homeowners to freeze the assessed value on their primary residence beginning with the 2025 assessment year. County officials said the ordinance gives local elected officials and staff the authority to develop forms, rules and procedures needed to implement the program.

Commissioners and other meeting participants debated the measure for roughly an hour. Supporters said the program will offer relief to residents on fixed incomes and that the ordinance simply freezes assessments rather than immediately reducing current collections. Opponents raised concerns about unknown long-term costs to local taxing jurisdictions, including school districts, fire districts and other political subdivisions that rely on property-tax revenue.

County staff told commissioners that the state enacted Senate Bill 756 (which amended earlier proposals often referenced as Senate Bill 190 in public discussion) and that the local ordinance implements the relief the state authorized. Commissioners discussed practical implementation issues, including application forms, software, staffing and a timeline for notifying affected taxing entities. The commission authorized staff from the collector's office, the assessor, the county clerk and other elected offices to meet and prepare procedures and application materials.

No exact countywide cost estimate for the program was available at the meeting; commissioners repeatedly described the fiscal effect on local taxing districts as \"unknown\" and said some of the impacted districts cross county lines, which complicates projections. Staff said the 2025 assessment is the program's base year so there will be limited calculation duties in 2026, while the first substantial recalculation for affected taxing streams is expected in 2027 when reassessments occur.

The commission held a voice vote on the ordinance; the clerk recorded the motion as approved with one commissioner opposed. The ordinance text and the detailed implementation schedule will be prepared by county staff and brought to future meetings for administrative steps such as application form adoption and software configuration.

The commission also directed the collector to prepare the statutorily required reports to each affected taxing jurisdiction listing estimated revenue reductions once applications are processed, as required under the enabling legislation.","Cole County Commission voted to adopt a senior real estate property tax relief ordinance, effective with the 2025 assessment, after extended discussion about potential revenue impacts on local taxing districts and how the program will be implemented.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cole County raises mileage reimbursement, advances pay-scale and budget items as commission prepares final 2025 budget

Cole County approves equipment purchases, awards stormwater contract and authorizes jail backflow replacement

Cole County approves $25,000 commitment to Columbia Regional Airport air service fund as airport seeks restored Denver service

Cole County adopts senior real estate property tax relief ordinance after months of debate