Resolutions endorsing the proposed countywide sales-tax Proposition 911 was reviewed by Phelps County commissioners during its Tuesday session.
The city councils of St. James and Rolla passed the resolutions March 1 that endorsed a new funding mechanism for Emergency 911 dispatch services, replacing the landline tariff currently charged to county residents with a sales tax.
Commissioner Bud Dean, District 2, said the proposition was recommended by the E-911 Committee after it researched other funding options.
“Basically, we have three choices,” Dean said. “We can bill users (providers of emergency services), pass a sales tax or go out of business (end countywide 911 emergency-dispatch services).”
On Thursday the Commission discussed a proposal concerning Phelps County Jail inmates being allowed to work outside the facility.
County Sheriff Rick Lisenbe and Commissioners discussed the possibility.
“I firmly believe they (inmates) need to be working, and we can request to cut their sentences,” Lisenbe said. “We’re looking to open this up for any non-violent offender.”
On March 2 three new dump trucks were purchased and one used dump truck was sold.
In approving the purchase, the Phelps County Commission acted upon a recommendation from Road and Bridge Supervisor Walter Snelson, who said the lowest-price bid of $248,055 from Al Scheppers Motor Co., of Jefferson City, offered the best value of the four submitted bids.
As a caveat to full acceptance of the bid, the Commission said the award would be contingent upon successful negotiation of options for the trucks.
The county also approved the sale of a used 2001 GMC tandem dump truck to Pulaski County for a price of $27,200. Pulaski County was the only bidder for the used equipment.
