By MIKE MCCOY
Statesman Staff Writer
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Delores Bailiff of Dexter, chair of the Domestic Violence Shelter Funding Authority, recommended that the Stoddard County Commission continue to fund two shelters for victims of domestic abuse at the same rate as last year, and then look into appointing new members to the Authority. Bailiff told the commission, at their regular meeting Monday, the Authority had not met in several years.
"I'm not sure we even exist, stated Bailiff about the Authority. "It has been several years since we met."
Bailiff said at one time she would call committee members to conduct business, but that became difficult. She said the commission may wish to look into appointing some new younger members to the Authority.
The Domestic Violence Shelter Funding Authority was formed in 1985 when a fee was imposed on the issuance of marriage licenses and decrees of dissolution of marriage. Money from the fund was to be used to assist victims of domestic violence. The Authority was to be made of up of a chairperson who served a four-year term and four other members who would serve two-year terms.
"The Authority shall deal with all applications for funding and allocations with Sections 455-200 and 455-220 RSMo," the document states. "The Authority shall not handle funds, but shall make orders for distribution to the County Treasurer, with copies to the commission."
Bailiff said past funding has gone to the Haven House (25 percent) in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and the B.R.A.V.E. Shelter (75 percent) in Malden, Mo. B.R.A.V.E is a non-profit organization under the DAEOC umbrella, and all programs are provided free of charge to participants. The shelter provides service to the Missouri counties of Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscott, Scott and Stoddard.
"We have nothing in Stoddard County to serve victims of domestic violence," said Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "We have done the same thing (funding) for all 12 years that I have served on the commission."
"Do you do any domestic violence education?" asked Commissioner Danny Talkington of Bailiff.
"No," responded Bailiff. "That's a good idea though."
Commissioner Carol Jarrell asked Bailiff, "Do you know any younger people who would like to serve on the board?"
Talkington suggested that the entire county be represented. He said maybe there should be someone from each of the cities.
Bailiff said she might think of some people who would serve on the Authority.
Talkington asked Bailiff if she knew how many people in Stoddard County were served by Haven House and B.R.A.V.E.
Bailiff said that information would be available from the respective shelters, but she did not have the numbers.
Mathis suggested the funding stay the same for the coming year, and that the commission work with Bailiff to appoint some new members.
Bailiff said she would recommend they continue to split the funds (25 percent to Haven House and 75 percent to B.R.A.V.E.)
County Clerk Joe Watson said $3,600 was awarded to the two agencies for the 2014 fiscal year.
In other business, Watson told the commission that representatives of Mutual Medical had signed up county employees and officials for the new health insurance plan approved by the commission. He said they were coming back this week to sign up the final 12 employees. The commission chose a partially self-funded health insurance plan for 2015.
Mathis said Mutual Medical asked the commission to sign a contract for services with the company for either a year or for four years.
"Do we have an option to get out?" asked Talkington.
Mathis said he did not know of an option allowing the county to cancel the contract if they signed a four-year contract.
"I'm in favor of a one-year contract to see how it goes for the employees," stated Talkington.
"I also prefer a one-year contract," said Jarrell.
Mathis concurred, saying, "I'd like to see how it goes as well."
Talkington made a motion to sign a one-year health insurance contract with Mutual Medical, and Jarrell seconded it. It passed by a 3-0 vote.
Jarrell said she attended the Christmas dinner for Stoddard County 911 Services, and was made aware of an opening on the board. William Nelson of Advance resigned.
Mathis said he was aware of the opening, but did not recall any recommendations for a replacement. It was stated that County 911 Administrator Carol Moreland had notified the commission of an opening, but the commission was not aware of anyone being recommended to replace Nelson.
Mathis said he would look further into the situation.
Mathis said there were some "serious" leaks in the old Bank and Trust Building that provides offices for the Stoddard County sheriff and other deputies. He asked that Building Superintendent William Dowdy look into the situation and report to the commission.