LINN — After nearly eight years in office, Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin believes county government is in a stronger position than when voters first elected him in 2018.

“I think I’ve done a good job trying to be a good steward of their money and not spending stuff crazy,” said Griffin, who is seeking reelection on the Republican ticket. “I’m always looking at what’s in the best interest of the citizens of Osage County first.”

Road & Bridge employees are better compensated and equipped, the 911 Department has a modern computer-aided dispatch system, the Osage County Health Department is preparing to expand healthcare services, and several long-running bridge projects are nearing completion. Griffin said he wants another term to continue that progress.

One of the most significant developments during Griffin’s tenure has been the countywide Proposition R sales tax for Road & Bridge purposes. Griffin said the tax generates approximately $800,000 annually, allowing the county to increase employee wages, retain workers, purchase equipment, and complete projects that previously had to be delayed because of limited funding.

County crews now have greater capacity to improve drainage, clean ditches, restore road crowns, and address long-standing maintenance needs.

“The citizens did that,” Griffin said of the tax. “They wanted the roads to be fixed, so we’ve got money to do that now.”

Maintaining and improving the county’s road system remains one of Griffin’s top priorities. He noted the county continues experimenting with chip-sealing additional gravel roads after proper preparation and said maintaining approximately 65 low-water crossings remains an expensive challenge, with individual replacements often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Griffin also pointed to several major bridge projects.

He said the county expects to complete the Pentecostal Bridge project after lengthy legal proceedings delayed construction despite approximately $1.5 million having been secured for the project.

“We had to go through a lawsuit,” Griffin said. “There was a lot to it.”

A separate bridge project near Rich Fountain has also resumed after negotiations with property owners restarted. Griffin said completing projects already underway remains one of his priorities.

“You’ve got to negotiate with people,” he said. “Getting things that we’ve started completed—that’s what we want to do.”

Beyond transportation, Griffin highlighted improvements made possible through American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The county constructed a new Osage County Health Department building, which is preparing to celebrate the addition of a nurse practitioner and launch its Quick Care service.

“We’re going to try that and see how it works because it benefits people,” Griffin said. “It’s local for people who can’t travel and things like that.”

The county also implemented a new computer-aided dispatch system for Osage County 911. Griffin credited 911/Emergency Management Director Ron Hoffman with improving coordination among dispatchers, law enforcement, ambulance personnel and other emergency responders.

“Everybody is working well together now,” Griffin said.

County government has also experienced considerable turnover during Griffin’s tenure, with both associate commissioners serving their first terms.

Griffin said he considered not seeking reelection before deciding that continuity would benefit the county.

“They’re new, and they’re trying to learn,” Griffin said.

He said part of his responsibility is helping newer commissioners understand bidding laws, funding requirements and other legal procedures that govern county government.

“You’ve got to follow the rules,” Griffin said. “Some of this stuff is crazy, but when you’re getting federal money, you’ve got to follow the rules.”

Griffin believes experience is especially valuable because counties must actively pursue grants and outside funding opportunities.

“There are so many opportunities out there,” he said. “You’ve got to reach out there and get them.”

That philosophy extends beyond the courthouse.

Griffin serves as chairman of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and also serves on the Gasconade Valley Enterprise Zone board while participating in several other regional organizations. He said those roles help him identify funding opportunities and represent Osage County’s interests.

He also hopes to continue improving county-owned buildings, saying courthouse maintenance and beautification projects help create a positive impression for residents, businesses and visitors.

Although not originally from Osage County, Griffin said it has become home after about 25 years.

“Everybody has always been good to me,” he said. “That’s why I want to give back to our county. I don’t do any of this for the money. I don’t need the job. It’s just giving back.”

Griffin said he also believes elected officials should remain accessible outside normal courthouse hours by returning phone calls, meeting with residents and listening to concerns.

He encourages residents to attend commission meetings to better understand the legal and financial requirements that influence county decisions.

Looking ahead, Griffin said he would also like to see more residents become involved in county government and eventually seek elected office.

“We need to get some good people in here,” he said.

Griffin said his experience, regional connections and record of completing projects make him well suited for another term.

“I’ve got the time to give back to the county,” he said. “This job is not just one day a week or two days a week. There are a lot of different things involved.”

His argument to voters is that improving county government requires more than identifying problems. It requires finding funding, navigating regulations, overcoming obstacles and remaining committed until projects are finished.

“We’ve accomplished a lot of things that we didn’t have before,” Griffin said. “You just can’t give up.”

Griffin faces Republican challenger John Glavin in the Aug. 4 primary election.