OSAGE COUNTY — As the Osage County Commission approached the end of the year during its Dec. 23 meeting, Western District Commissioner Dale Logan reflected on a first year he said “started out rough” but ended with visible progress.

“I’ve had a good year,” Logan said. “It started out rough as hell, but I’m glad it turned out better. We’re getting a lot of ‘thank you’ and ‘good job’ text messages and phone calls compared to the first half of the year, (when) there was none of that.

“What I like to see the best, is that you can see the progress we’re making,” he continued. “But more importantly, the taxpayers living out on these county roads can see it.”

• The commission approved a cybersecurity insurance proposal through Higginbotham Insurance providing $1 million in coverage at an annual cost of $5,565. Commissioners noted the county’s previous policy provided $500,000 in coverage, an option not offered by the new insurer. Discussion focused on the cost increase, which commissioners said was proportionate to the increased coverage and included additional services such as training and response support.

Commissioners discussed how the policy should be funded and agreed the expense should be paid from use tax revenues rather than allocated to individual offices, citing cybersecurity as a countywide responsibility.

• The commission confirmed that county offices would follow the state schedule and close both the day before and day after Christmas, with essential services remaining staffed as needed. Health Department Administrator Kim Sallin noted services would still be provided the morning of Christmas Eve for scheduled patients.

• Commissioners also discussed work underway on ballot language for upcoming tax issues. They are awaiting clarification from the county’s legal counsel on whether an ordinance is required to place the measure on the ballot and to confirm that proposed language complies with statutory requirements.

Commissioners noted the timeline is tight, with only a few weeks remaining to finalize ballot language ahead of required deadlines.

• The schedule for budget meetings is as follows: Dec. 31-Jan. 7 – Individual budget meetings, Jan. 7 – Clerk posts budget request online, Jan. 13 – Commission reviews budget, Jan. 15 – Budget Approval by Commission, Jan. 15 – Clerk to send approved budget to State Auditor’s Office per statute 50.540.1.

ROAD & BRIDGE

Foreman Bradley Sneller updated commissioners on ongoing road maintenance, rock hauling, culvert repairs, and brush-cutting. Sneller said winter conditions and limited manpower had slowed some hauling operations, particularly in creek areas, but crews continued maintenance work where conditions allowed.

Commissioners discussed specific problem areas on County Road 301 and nearby routes where drainage issues have caused repeated washouts. Using mapping software during the meeting, commissioners reviewed water flow patterns and culvert placement and asked Sneller to evaluate whether additional fill or larger culverts may be needed at those locations.

Additional discussion addressed exposed culverts and road conditions in several areas of the county. Commissioners emphasized the importance of addressing the most hazardous locations before increased holiday travel.

Commissioners also asked staff to continue working toward a clearer breakdown of the cost to maintain gravel roads on a per-mile basis to assist with future budgeting decisions.

• Quarry rock was hauled on CR 302 (228.39 tons), 412 (83.77 tons), 623 (160.08 tons), 711 (238.75 tons), 726 (218.69 tons), and 810 (16.02 tons); road work was done on CR 302, 711, and 726; brush mowers were working on CR 602; and grader operators were active as follows: G01 (CR 501), G02 (CR 711, 724, 726), G03 (CR 211, 212, 223), G04 (CR 506, 508, 531, 625), and G05 (412, 413, 414, 415).

• Dump truck DT32 (blue 2004 Peterbilt) and whipper W43 (2007 John Deere 6615 w/Alamo Machete Mower) were serviced out of house.

• Contact was received from citizens regarding ditch concerns on CR 319 and grading work on CR 413.

• Compliments were received about CR 501.

FINANCIAL

• Bills totaling $103,341.38 were approved by commissioners, with the following totals by department: 911/EMA ($28,867.85), ARPA FUNDS ($0.00), Assessor ($12,493.09), Building & Grounds ($126), Collector ($394.99), Coroner ($131.97), County Clerk ($180.56), Health Department ($4,422.13), Misc. ($4,223.77), Prosecuting Attorney ($992.55), Public Administration ($225), Road & Bridge ($35,745.25), Sheriff-Jail ($11,300.43), Treasurer ($200), and Road and Bridge Misc ($4,037.79).

• Sales tax distribution received from the state of Missouri showed $511.31 collected for the period of July 2022 - December 2022, including $90.74 to General Revenue, $99.60 to Jail Renovation (JR60), $49.76 to Capitol Improvements (CI88, $44.78) and Building & Grounds (BG89 $40.31), $99.49 to Prop P, $0.00 to Prop R, $99.60 to 911/Law Enforcement, and $72.12 to Use Tax.

• County Aid Road Trust (CART) distribution received from the state of Missouri for the month of December was $88,729.54, including Motor Fuel Tax ($71,608.21), Motor Vehicle Sales Tax ($12,871.38), and Motor Vehicle Fee Increases ($4,249.95). Totals for the year were: Motor Fuel Tax ($786,882.52), Motor Vehicle Sales Tax ($164,108.82), and Motor Vehicle Fee Increases ($63,721.55), for a total of $1,014,712.89.

• Checks were submitted for signatures.