St. Francois County officials took decisive action during the Commission Meeting on September 9, 2025, as they rejected an exorbitant bid for a metal roof replacement and moved forward with plans to explore alternative roofing options. The rejected bid, which came in at nearly $900,000, was almost three times the initial estimate, prompting the Commission to seek new bids for both metal and shingle roofing.

Commission members expressed concerns over the high costs, with one member noting, “If we can put a shingle roof on it that lasts 20 years, we won’t have to come back in two weeks and say, okay, we can’t afford that.” This decision not only aims to save taxpayer dollars but also delays the installation of solar panels, as the roofing work must be completed beforehand.

In addition to the roofing discussions, the Commission awarded a contract for a new door lock system at the juvenile detention center to Coors Air Controls for $41,505.59. This system is designed to enhance security, allowing for better control over the locking mechanisms of juvenile cells. The decision was based on the company’s experience and the quality of their bid, which was only slightly higher than the lowest offer but deemed superior due to their thorough site assessment.

The meeting also saw the creation of a new position for a mapping technician in the assessor's office, aimed at improving the county's geographic information systems (GIS) capabilities. This move is expected to enhance efficiency and potentially generate revenue by offering GIS services to other municipalities.

Overall, the Commission's decisions reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and improved operational efficiency, setting the stage for future developments in St. Francois County.