[{"_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",6651154,"mediaKeyId","3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469","parentId",3633464,"title","Cole County approves EMS‑station furniture purchase, appoints Matt Pringer to care‑leave committee and moves into closed session on personnel","audioSeconds",2341,"startMs",540000,"endMs",2881000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469&start=540&end=2881","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469/thumbnail_540000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6651154/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-approves-EMSstation-furniture-purchase-appoints-Matt-Pringer-to-careleave-committee-and-moves-into-closed-session-on-personnel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651154-5771c3205543f2cba896eeee4f73ee96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124193&Signature=JQP-n82lvMWV86Dl2GymY80gHQLO-8ovnb1ZJMWDXvIU4cEHmbAWJ1A0~91-dTp9Kl6AeFkezuh-XJWrb50P5pmp39i3FjEUabxLqC~vCNQ3ZBpyjVPj4g2rzpdcTBn-TNdoRtWwDDL6vBzrc~UtKrwvJ8BVZPl3zTwqhU9iw7j6lK3s6FJmaUSfk53baeUVowEgydFJGqnrDkoeLwX1N6FidlHg48lL-KCyWMY0G9Mkblavzn1oLe3H4pBZngJtlYGSYuN5WBT-bslEqRUpZknYEntvtB5LSDGmpU9kbvu83U-Cj1wdc3S~FfYHE491vBiFxloPOd16svaYEUJFLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cole County","date","2025-06-03T13:21:47Z","article","The Cole County Commission approved multiple routine items on June 3, including a purchase for furniture at EMS Station 4, the appointment of a new care‑leave committee member, and a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel.

Procurement: County staff presented a quote from Fire Station Furniture for mattresses, bed frames, nightstands and desks for the remodel of EMS Station 4. The quoted price was $4,159.90 with $659.97 in shipping, for a total of $4,819.87. Staff said the purchase was below the bid threshold, compliant with the county purchasing agreement, and included in the FF&E budget for the project. A commissioner moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Appointments: The commission approved the appointment of Matt Pringer to the county’s care‑leave committee, replacing Kevin Light for the remainder of Light’s term (the presenter stated the term will end in February; the year was not specified on the record). The motion to appoint Pringer was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Closed session: At the end of the meeting the commission voted to go into closed session pursuant to section 610.021 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to discuss personnel matters under subsection (3). The motion was seconded and passed; a roll call recorded “Yes” votes from Sam, Gary and Jeff.

No other purchasing actions or committee appointments were taken at the meeting. The furniture purchase was to be processed through a purchase order after approval and no contract signature was required immediately, according to staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6-3-2025 Cole County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","On June 3 the commission approved a $4,819.87 purchase for EMS Station 4 furniture, appointed Matt Pringer to a care‑leave committee seat, and voted to enter closed session to discuss personnel under Missouri statute 610.021(3).","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},6651159,"MU Extension staff outline summer programming for Cole County — 4‑H, horticulture, health classes and fair preparations",226,186000,412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469&start=186&end=412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469/thumbnail_186000.jpg","/articles/6651159/Cole-County/Missouri/MU-Extension-staff-outline-summer-programming-for-Cole-County-4H-horticulture-health-classes-and-fair-preparations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651159-181944dacf86823f438adaa3c43b7a1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124193&Signature=T8FX1yeRvBmJXnzzt-UamXek~EfNBnk7ytQw2C1oZMiHoylQ9A2CmU5~QcoyT~Azx8T0UTqSJ2wAP731lqyHsrpkom21eaBftzN32FVwGWikqRd5QGNO88H7J1qdn6TDpnhRE~JUrC6ECy2TLU00X7esLuC75Ij4b89vfnzC3rZOgu1YFumhzwThnaE~LY~EQMxHJSONbcRslfhIqKgb94wB-83~JGx~Ghny-QaRy0EikrCPoCMfgnltCrgYy~OnhMueAU~7AIN9SKYltcX2ZjZNumRMZPLN13EKjDUJOlFFwHUwxvN0tbVIYLmwFUbZoFAaU4P8PJqp4~poUl3Esg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MU Extension staff delivered a quarterly report to the Cole County Commission on June 3 describing a range of summer and year‑round programming available to county residents, including health and chronic disease classes, horticulture assistance, livestock programming and a busy schedule for 4‑H ahead of the county fair.

The presenter said individual field specialists serving the Tri‑County area include Kathy Deacon (nutrition and health), Drew (horticulture), Christy Bridal (livestock) and Sean Eberly (4‑H youth development). The presenter told commissioners that Deacon runs chronic‑disease self‑management courses and evidence‑based fall‑prevention programs such as Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and Tai Chi. Deacon has recently completed certification in a revised Tai Chi curriculum and is piloting the updated course with state specialists.

The horticulture specialist, identified in the presentation as Drew, is working on the Master Pollinator program and responding to high volumes of calls and walk‑ins about plant pests, pruning and other gardening issues. The presenter described one ongoing diagnostic case involving a tomato plant with unusual growth patterns; staff are testing whether the issue is mosaic virus, excess nitrogen or a pesticide effect.

Christy Bridal’s livestock work includes recent Show‑Me‑Select sales, and Sean Eberly said 4‑H programming is entering a busy season: summer programming at West Elementary during summer school (daily 30‑minute sessions across grades), upcoming summer camp, and county fair preparations in July.

The presenter closed by inviting residents and county officials to contact Extension if they have opportunities to partner or need assistance; the presenter said contact information appears on the distributed impact report and added, “we're just gonna keep going along, trying to meet the needs of people in Cole County.”

No formal county action was taken on the Extension report; commissioners received the presentation as an informational update.","University of Missouri Extension staff presented a quarterly update on June 3 describing health and nutrition programming, horticulture assistance, livestock services and 4‑H summer activities serving Cole County residents.",{"_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},6651164,"State Tax Commission warns Cole County it may withhold assessment maintenance funds after sales‑ratio findings",306,2234000,2540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469&start=2234&end=2540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469/thumbnail_2234000.jpg","/articles/6651164/Cole-County/Missouri/State-Tax-Commission-warns-Cole-County-it-may-withhold-assessment-maintenance-funds-after-salesratio-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651164-358d8b6d5badb0e569978d7828a105ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124193&Signature=nosBCQMNtRx4ez5b-WBPIeAevkTCXKrjA5h223bJ1BEOXjNjThqrYpp~tGe-BgdlzNL518AtPjf5MaIQel3kNxszwRB9QHTwVgTPBL04QIM0nnfLZlsO8V-wWYrVIQUhOtkWO4gQ6S14P66WFDorcVPWd3mKUbAsCMnws3cMOyZZs1N10K3vOLLGXwlN4qlBZg-HRY00ei1l8ZJWIKMkPxdus2HW0PuwU-4TOwioAPUXFcCLOvjzLMl64e~jan3V273H427y7RBeG06YKLYeWSeznsehZYzy~cvBh~lVi93HGmTpQCOsbeqlGiy6DtC0Zd6p9xk2TKFz4cE6bR35HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners on June 3 made public a May 30 letter from the Missouri State Tax Commission (STC) to the Cole County assessor stating the county’s most recent residential sales‑ratio study indicated residential values were “below market value” and that state assessment maintenance funds will be withheld unless the county files a plan to return to compliance.

The STC letter, presented aloud at the commission meeting, said the office had attempted to contact the county assessor by phone and email and invited the assessor to work with state assessment representatives on a memorandum of understanding for 2025 maintenance activities. The letter warned that “state reimbursement monies will only be distributed to the county assessment fund if the county is in compliance with the State Tax Commission approved assessment maintenance plan,” and asked the assessor to submit “county circumstances, intended actions, and timeframe” before funds would be released.

A county official at the meeting summarized the fiscal exposure at roughly $117,000 in assessment maintenance payments that could be withheld. The official said the figure equates to approximately $3 per parcel across the county’s roughly 30,000 parcels, based on the county’s internal estimate presented to the commission.

County officials described the county’s recent performance on the residential sales‑ratio study: an earlier study result of about 94 percent (passing), a later result of about 84 percent (failing at the time and that led to an MOU), and the most recent, not yet fully published study at approximately 67 percent. Those results prompted state outreach and the request for a corrective plan.

The commissioner who read the letter advised residents who received notices of proposed value increases to contact the current serving assessor (the official stated the current assessor serves until the end of the current assumer term and that a newly elected assessor will take office after the turnover) rather than contacting the incoming assessor who is not yet in office. The county also advised that property owners who disagree with their assessment may request an informal meeting with the assessor’s office and, if unresolved, file an appeal with the county Board of Equalization (BOE). The BOE filing process and deadline were discussed at the meeting; the commission noted the BOE hearing date occurs on the second Monday in July (the presenter identified July 14 as the relevant date this year and advised residents to verify deadlines with the county clerk).

Commissioners urged residents with questions about notices to call the assessor’s office first for an informal review; the clerk’s office will provide BOE appeal forms if needed. County staff also noted that evidence such as a recent appraisal may be helpful at a BOE hearing but is not strictly required to file an appeal.

The commission did not take formal action on the letter at the meeting beyond making the correspondence public and advising residents on appeal procedures.","A May 30 letter from the Missouri State Tax Commission to the Cole County assessor, read at the June 3 commission meeting, said the county’s residential values fell well below market in the latest sales‑ratio study and that state reimbursement funds could be withheld until the county complies with an assessment maintenance plan.",{"_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},6651169,"Cole County creates Chief of Emergency Services job description, moves emergency management under EMS for yearlong trial",1060,642000,1702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469&start=642&end=1702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633464-f743103d6284b21444a0bce68e27e469/thumbnail_642000.jpg","/articles/6651169/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-creates-Chief-of-Emergency-Services-job-description-moves-emergency-management-under-EMS-for-yearlong-trial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651169-2ebbb72e735c5724ab931bd33ca6e8db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124193&Signature=ZwKCp5mpoKvCaup1hPe0CNSQMQIpGBnHptOvp0lRkQgnBku~g7xIwy0L2I6Fh74QIkCiN97cBVVZMAVXiJ-s0Frh0W1WMuIF10XUcwNoUKUfTI0OVPf-yhMMlgURpwfHGgHyUkN4S8xlBNVbPjY64-zE3k4JwdTGpvOJRFDW1zhRxaNyIfbjuZrJrfHKLm6lvVbfmIF4oFrIoPwT8ras7g9tIfMl6L0eK5pqqQRDs95sNlL5m0n8q5x6D4oX561Rv0gH6IPUd3VAgtET2rwqtEeyfZ7n4dEukGV3sfNqL47LT8HzOCCSGlPp7bm2oIBiYO7hgKkjaUmwgKDmf6NUKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cole County commissioners on June 3 voted to approve a job description establishing a Chief of Emergency Services and to begin a one-year trial that places emergency management under the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency.

The proposal, presented by county fire leadership, responds to an ongoing vacancy in the county emergency management director post and would make two operational divisions — emergency medical services and emergency management — part of a unified Cole County Emergency Services agency for the trial period.

Chief Gibson, who led the presentation, told commissioners the plan is intended to “provide an operationally viable solution to address the ongoing vacancy in the emergency management position by leveraging our current qualified county employees.” Gibson said the proposal would create a deputy chief of emergency management to assume the duties of the former director (strategic direction, planning, mitigation and disaster coordination) and a division chief to handle day-to-day operational tasks such as damage assessments and logistics.

The presentation identified two existing county staff to fill the roles under the plan: Chief Gibson (detailed in the presentation as promoted to battalion chief in 2022 and assistant chief of support services in 2024, and holding a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from Saint Louis University) and Chief Kennedy (on staff since 2017, promoted to battalion chief in 2020, an associate degree from State Tech, and a certified all‑hazards communications unit leader). The presenters said both bring “all hazards” experience and existing operational knowledge that would help cover emergency‑management functions.

The county plans to maintain EMS operations while assigning the two new emergency‑management positions additional duties. Gibson said administrative oversight for both divisions would remain with the agency chief, who would focus on budget and personnel, while the two designated emergency‑management positions would perform strategic and field roles. Gibson also described measures intended to preserve operational depth during incidents, including communications supervisors and additional battalion chiefs who would provide backfill in the event the two assigned staff were deployed to an incident.

County officials estimated the net budget impact to implement the change at about $24,000 for the year. The presentation said the posted pay rate for the added emergency‑management portion of the roles is $62.05 (as presented at the meeting) and that much of the employees’ existing benefits are already on the books. The plan also included operational priorities: updating the county’s LEOP (local emergency operations plan), developing a standardized emergency‑management policy and procedure manual, conducting joint EOC activation exercises with the city, performing a gap analysis of training needs across departments, integrating inventory and logistics systems, and exploring expanded grant writing with a professional services partner (Lexipol).

Commissioners discussed the need to preserve institutional knowledge from the county’s interim director, Bill Farr, who is serving on an hourly basis and approaching statutory hour limits for part‑time workers. Commissioner Bushman and others said the arrangement would buy time to test a consolidated model; Commissioner Hellscher encouraged a one‑year trial and said the county could revert to a separate position if the model did not work.

A motion to approve the Chief of Emergency Services job description carried by voice vote. Following the vote, commissioners and staff said they would proceed with updating job descriptions, pay forms and memoranda of understanding with partner jurisdictions as needed.

The county presentation noted the need to update the MOU with the City of Jefferson and to complete outstanding 2025 grant requirements if the new structure is adopted.

If the trial proves unsuccessful, officials said they would revisit the staffing model and consider reposting a separate emergency‑management director position.","Cole County commissioners on June 3 approved a job description for a new Chief of Emergency Services and a proposal to fold emergency management functions into the county’s Emergency Medical Services on a trial basis, citing a long vacancy in the director role and modest net cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cole County approves EMS‑station furniture purchase, appoints Matt Pringer to care‑leave committee and moves into closed session on personnel

MU Extension staff outline summer programming for Cole County — 4‑H, horticulture, health classes and fair preparations

State Tax Commission warns Cole County it may withhold assessment maintenance funds after sales‑ratio findings

Cole County creates Chief of Emergency Services job description, moves emergency management under EMS for yearlong trial