[{"_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",6535435,"mediaKeyId","3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d","parentId",3402583,"title","Votes at a glance: Cole County Commission approves equipment purchases, grant applications and several renewals","audioSeconds",40,"startMs",2851000,"endMs",2891000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d&start=2851&end=2891","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d/thumbnail_2851000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535435/Cole-County/Missouri/Votes-at-a-glance-Cole-County-Commission-approves-equipment-purchases-grant-applications-and-several-renewals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535435-5c70b59c58ca5919588196e3c5635f74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118284&Signature=Ckstor6GF-A9HV54yRYTxjsi5aBbZwXzehYEPIXbPjJeD5BVPdio~64mBl-0ayF8pl0fOZmaJX~W03Ma3yL0fCTAQ8X2bCkX0Y7kUV0eRPUh0UVMlkA21LcA7aklSsT11cEcY0Qz4W5zdFmWxJlyyei~eWKBcaHjo~~KXIB52jJKWg99SwrDwfOBXxdTE9iHHDbl-QeMV35gV5uSoDqEF2XP5~7gd1poRPQdvGQZBsGCuXoXmXP5y7hhbFTIexRpH3fsZxwqiPXDys1ouLT44XAnh~cFXQJNPE~HtKVhSY2EnY0whuKd~LDwbo~ZQ70wEX~~c0w3Wd1C7x5np84tmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cole County","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Cole County Commission approved a set of procurement actions, grant applications and contract renewals during the meeting. Commissioners moved and seconded each item; the meeting record shows each motion carried on voice vote with commissioners responding \"Aye.\" The key outcomes are summarized below.

Votes at a glance

- Public works equipment: Commissioners approved and signed quotes from NAPA and Henderson for equipment and outfitting for three public works trucks, including a Ford F-550 dump-bed configuration and two single-axle trucks. Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- DSSF grant application (Deputy Sheriff Supplemental Salary Fund): Commissioners authorized submission of an application that would distribute $2,000 to 44 employees if awarded (total $88,000). Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- State Drug Task Force (Mustang) grant application: The commission approved submission of a 2024 JAG/DTF grant application seeking $215,570 to purchase equipment for agencies participating in the Mustang task force. Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- Vehicle equipment installation and repair contracts: The commission approved a second renewal of multi-vendor awards for vehicle equipment installation and repair services with WirelessUSA and Turnkey Mobile. Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- Telephone and video visitation services renewal: Commissioners approved a second renewal with HomeLink (telephone/video visitation) at existing rates. Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote. Meeting discussion referenced pending federal/FCC and state-level changes affecting inmate-call rates.

- Accounts payable: Commissioners approved payment of accounts payable pending review. Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- Budget adjustment number 3: Commissioners approved the second and final reading of a budget adjustment totaling $168,000 for a grant awarded to the juvenile department (Fringer Family Center). Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote.

The meeting record shows no roll-call tallies or recorded opposed votes for these items; each was carried by voice vote with commissioners responding \"Aye.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-20-2025 Cole County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting commissioners approved signing quotes for three public-works trucks, applied for two grants, renewed several service contracts and approved accounts payable and a budget adjustment. Each motion passed by voice vote with recorded 'aye' approvals in the meeting minutes.","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},6535440,"Recorder’s office flooded over weekend; Summit replaces valves, carpet drying underway",550,1920000,2470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d&start=1920&end=2470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d/thumbnail_1920000.jpg","/articles/6535440/Cole-County/Missouri/Recorders-office-flooded-over-weekend-Summit-replaces-valves-carpet-drying-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535440-17fb83349e8b6bb17d9d970cf8d35551/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118284&Signature=NUA3Swpxou76ZrgbwR1GNRDNakiz3~vz~G0JE6S4NEb7Zc9QbZTA17RcsFq-q4PC9CNzRDHXfQXXSwPiHgouAuCQrEZe5ZqU5~j6x1PJAhQ6SzMxGFD970IHtNi58g0XIb51RE00zwCcvLMNx-b~WrKrNT2Besew-HBtz4avETOeOlT2w4NicCKm8poIjJoZqPSEoN8CYAqGey215Bvw4pPX30zake-heElLsogXDp-D9Op9vrGZarSocsId6G5YNGUXjE4CzM0VwJimy3mBYYdnP2cvBJ3F~XYXMFeizTjPhH98dZkAPTxzZyk67n1comwU86dXg6x6PPdotAWnqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A county official reported that the recorder’s office experienced a significant water intrusion that began Sunday afternoon and continued into Monday morning, soaking an office area and books. County maintenance staff assessed the problem, located leaking valves tied to the hot-water system and arranged for Summit to replace the valves the following morning.

The recorder’s office representative described walking into standing water and shutting off local valves that slowed the flow. Maintenance staff later discovered two additional valves upstream of the shutoff. Summit personnel replaced both valves at about 6 a.m. the next morning; staff drained and refilled the system and restarted pumps and the water heater.

County staff said they are running fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpet and materials while they assess whether carpet or records require replacement. Speakers urged a change in the weekend call and response protocol so that any reports of water on the floor trigger a maintenance check rather than only a cleanup.

Commissioners heard that several staff and contractors worked on the issue, including county employees who arrived to help and a Summit technician who completed valve replacements. No dollar amounts for repairs or carpet replacement were provided during the meeting.

Ending: Valves were replaced and the system returned to service; staff will continue drying and assessing damage and will review weekend on-call procedures to ensure similar events are responded to with an inspection rather than only cleanup.","The recorder’s office experienced a substantial flood between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. County staff brought in Summit to replace two valves early Monday; fans are running and staff are monitoring whether carpet needs replacement.",{"_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},6535445,"Cole County considers temp janitorial contracts, overtime and pay changes amid maintenance staffing shortage",418,997000,1415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d&start=997&end=1415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d/thumbnail_997000.jpg","/articles/6535445/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-considers-temp-janitorial-contracts-overtime-and-pay-changes-amid-maintenance-staffing-shortage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535445-79ddbd5f02998b388a9e2ae5161e048b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118284&Signature=IXCcfay1oBZr6EOVogvimn22USjW-4jY9FSw-ni6yuWKaMRdicfc4Yg1hy8dKWGdyyJWJxEUkjHAtWZr8C--PsTfptWsZ45gewD6Qjqz98tgP2vbuPalPJcXDvnia7gp8XkzAhPmUGVtdVxB7OeCGF76myDnK4oZEzLzJ1pvCcshs87xRWyLPHIxUlTt94AGZ2ooyCy08x0AuA4r3rd4Je8UR7jpc7sb6OFffBPJUHtIZpNmhsJfLUyrOlA4lQsanqWk24gocCGmLvg61iSmukFWwBXBo4O8cmimlFcHFFf4UTCczrTvhv7HtFnDbWeHTFVid-RhIWGVX4pxUO-Azg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners reviewed persistent staffing shortages in the county maintenance department and discussed short-term options including hiring temporary janitorial contractors, mandating overtime and advertising open positions.

The maintenance director told commissioners starting pay for maintenance positions is $15 per hour and said that temporary staffing agencies quoted a $25-per-hour billing rate. Commissioners and staff clarified the county would be billed by the temporary firm at the higher rate while the temporary worker’s take-home pay would typically be lower; one staff member said the temporary firm would bill about $25 while the worker might be paid roughly $17. The county’s limitations on temporary hires were also discussed: temporary workers provided by agencies generally cannot perform certain tasks such as ladder work or operate power equipment and would be limited to janitorial duties.

Commissioners discussed operational options: extend maintenance staff hours (for example shifting start times), mandate short-term overtime, hire a janitorial contractor for building cleaning, or post and recruit for permanent positions. The group directed staff to post the open maintenance position, contact the temp service to check availability, prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for janitorial services, and consider temporary overtime while bids are solicited.

Speakers noted operational trade-offs: paying overtime consumes existing benefit-paid staff hours but avoids the additional employer costs charged by a temp firm; contracting out janitorial work would remove janitorial responsibilities from in-house maintenance teams but would require managing scope and vendor selection. The commission also discussed prior bids for lawn care and asked staff to retrieve previous bid documents for review.

Ending: Commissioners directed immediate recruitment steps and to pursue a three-month temporary plan while soliciting bids for long-term janitorial or lawn-care contracts.","Cole County commissioners discussed a shortfall in maintenance staff, explored temporary janitorial contracts and overtime, and directed staff to post openings and seek bids for janitorial services and lawn care.",{"_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},6535450,"Cole County EMS says school district refused standard patient waiver, prompting operational strain",126,516000,642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d&start=516&end=642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402583-87103523b0b4721c6de3d887d9eea14d/thumbnail_516000.jpg","/articles/6535450/Cole-County/Missouri/Cole-County-EMS-says-school-district-refused-standard-patient-waiver-prompting-operational-strain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535450-7652b161d78e0bb2d9afda74a91c3800/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118284&Signature=RM9k6qT4hFrxORwwwnKtcZUdUd2uqsF~~GmYL-g~n6sDUb7paF6Uplr7rlWdpjEpyd-1xZimVyPQn~eTBk50afYyTwRMpLg1Sat79YA0TpjR7B0bWrxdPhYK0XlB09K5WZQqmSTF40C-74TfQgNhk7cY4MqiqjxMLorV4YSq3LBrLY7nkE79Lmn4IXLzAGzTF6nJTKV~I3eVjdnnYh1~t~X1HujRUP3opjbwniYuuZSyDd62nfefyN4K6X5M5O9JpgH~awLPq1xY2jT~msxjLBt~B1fm~nW5WVmCqgIcRaRxycTvvVJj2ExiGbZK9K7u~GMtelaUr9LBzdF5O1KNzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cole County EMS officials told the Cole County Commission that a local school district has refused to sign the agency’s routine patient waiver after incidents on school buses, a refusal that EMS leaders say may force them to transport students they would otherwise release to school custody.

An EMS speaker described the waiver as “a waiver that everyone signs,” saying the form documents that a patient declines transport or further treatment. The speaker told commissioners the waiver is used whenever EMS responds and provides less than the full scope of services so staff know the patient does not want to be transported.

The discussion centered on who holds custody and medical-decision authority when students are under school supervision. An EMS official used the legal term loco parentis to describe the school’s role during school hours and said the agency is asking the school to accept responsibility by signing the waiver so EMS can legally hand students back to school staff without transporting them.

County EMS officials said they were told the district’s attorney in Independence, Missouri, advised district representatives not to sign the waiver and also advised student transportation staff not to sign. The EMS official said that advice would leave EMS crews with groups of students—19 juveniles on one bus was cited as an example—who could not be turned back to the school without the signed form, forcing EMS to transport students and place operational and parental-notification burdens on the agency.

Commissioners were told the practice of schools signing the waiver is longstanding. An EMS official said former Chief Mike Schurz told them the form was a standard practice when incidents involved school districts during his tenure beginning in 2009. The EMS official characterized the current district refusal as a novel development for the region.

EMS staff said they have offered to meet with the school superintendent, Brian LaCrosse, to discuss the matter; she said staff had been told the superintendent’s office was to arrange a meeting but no meeting had been scheduled. The EMS official urged parents with concerns to raise them with the school district and said the agency will always act within its legal guidelines and “in the child’s best interest” when deciding whether to transport.

No formal action by the commission was recorded on the waiver issue during the meeting; commissioners and county staff discussed options for follow-up, including further outreach to the district.

Ending: The commission meeting record shows the EMS concern was raised so commissioners would be informed; EMS requested but had not received a face-to-face meeting with the school district superintendent at the time of the discussion. The county will await any scheduled meeting and continue to apply state law and agency procedures when responding to incidents involving students.","Cole County EMS officials told the commission that a local school district—on advice of outside counsel—refused to sign the agency’s standard patient waiver after bus incidents, forcing EMS to alter procedures and, in some cases, transport students to hospitals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Cole County Commission approves equipment purchases, grant applications and several renewals

Recorder’s office flooded over weekend; Summit replaces valves, carpet drying underway

Cole County considers temp janitorial contracts, overtime and pay changes amid maintenance staffing shortage

Cole County EMS says school district refused standard patient waiver, prompting operational strain