Meet the new Howell County Surveyor

Ray Riggs is taking the reins as Howell County Surveyor. Riggs was appointed to the position by Governor Mike Parsons when Ralph Riggs vacated the seat due to his election as Presiding Commissioner. 

"Ralph Riggs is my older brother and only sibling. Our parents were Leamon and Helen Riggs, both deceased," Ray confirmed to Howell County News. 

The two Riggs co-own and co-operate Riggs Brothers Surveying, LLC. 

"There is a rich history and long tradition associated with the Howell County Surveyor, and I want to continue that legacy," commented Ray Riggs. "The mantra of the surveyor is 'following in the footsteps' of the old surveyor that preceded us. Howell County Surveyors such as Peter Paul Dobozy, Thomas Franklin Adams, Charles W. Eno and even the present county surveyor, Ralph Riggs, have left big 'footsteps' to follow."

Riggs reports he is a fifth-generation resident of Howell County. He has worked in the surveying profession since graduating from high school in 1982 and was licensed as a Missouri Professional Land Surveyor in 2003. He has since been licensed in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Nebraska. His projects have included many large cadastral surveys for the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation and many private clients. Riggs has been a member of the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) for many years and is presently serving as President of MSPS.

The Howell County Surveyor's position is non-salaried. Riggs reports he will continue in his private practice while fulfilling the functions of County Surveyor.

The Governor's office fills vacancies in county offices and board as necessary. They opened their application portal the day they received Ralph Riggs' resignation, Nov. 9. Ray Riggs was the only applicant for the County Surveyor seat. He was sworn in as Howell County Surveyor on Jan. 3, confirms Howell County Clerk Kelly Waggoner.