Commission talks body armor grant, approves road bids

The Howell County Commission met last week to hear a bid for roadwork and to set up accounting for a law enforcement grant. Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs was absent this week and is expected to return to regular meetings on October 17. 

 

On Monday, the Commission opened sealed bids for hot mix overlay on portions of three county roads in the Northern District. This included two road overlays for County Road 5390 and 5840, west of Willow Springs, and a patch repair on County Road 3770, north of Mountain View. The commission received one bid for the work from Pace Construction of West Plains for a total of $244,995. The commission approved this bid.

 

On Thursday, the Commission visited with Lt. Jason Long with the Howell County Sheriff's Office to set up accounting for Grant 19-35. Lt. Long told the commission the 50/50 match grant was approved on Sept. 26 by the Department of Justice for $4,171.52, a difference of $52.23 from what he had originally asked for. The total request, including the county's portion, totals $8,447.50. This means, the county will need to cover their amount of the request plus the $52.23. Lt. Long said he did not know why the DOJ did not approve the $52.23 when asked by the commission. The commission approved setting up accounting for Grant 19-35.

 

The Howell County Commissioners are Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs, Northern Commissioner Calvin Wood, and Southern Commissioner Billy Sexton. The commission meets in regular session on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The meetings remain open during the lunch hour and are open to the public. Contact the commissioners' chamber by phone at (417) 256-3872.