The Cape Girardeau County Commission decided to close county offices on Friday, July 5, extending the July 4 holiday. The decision was to match the decision of Gov. Mike Parson, who announced he would close state offices on July 5 through an executive order.
County Commissioner Paul Koeper said it was “frustrating” that the change was made without much notice given for residents and staff. The County approves following the initial holiday schedule by the State, but Koeper said they should consider the dates they anticipate being added as holidays when they approve the holiday schedule in the future.
He said this is the first year the day after July 4 was added as a state holiday, but the Friday after Thanksgiving has been added every year. In 2020, Christmas will be on a Thursday, so Koeper said Dec. 26 will also probably be added that year.
• The Commission accepted a bid from The Cash-Book Journal to publish the 2019 delinquent land tax listings. The Cash-Book Journal’s bid was the only one received and was the recommended bid by County Collector Barbara Gholson.
• Patrick Kintner, representing Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates, presented the 2018 annual audit of the County during the July 1 Commission meeting. The Commission approved the audit after the presentation.
The audit found that the County had $35 million in assets, half of which was investments and half of which was cash/cash equivalents.
The general fund’s 2018 revenue was 11.8 million, compared to 2017’s 12.1 million. Kintner said the fluctuation was due to a small reduction in the state bill of costs and change in venue fees, as well as a reduction in the county’s property tax levy.
The expenditures of the general fund for 2018 was $11.0 million, compared to 2017’s $11.1 million. Kintner said the minor decrease was not the result of any one specific area.
• The Commission approved a request to advertise for bids on grading improvements on County Road 408. County Commissioner Paul Koeper said the county road was the next scheduled for improvements by the highway department.
• The new county courthouse construction site was not majorly affected during the severe storm on June 21. County Commissioner Charlie Herbst said some roofing material was lost and some already-installed material was peeled back, but there was no actual damage to the building.
