Stoddard County sets budget deadlines and highlights community programs

BLOOMFIELD — It is budget time for elected officials in Stoddard County and officeholders are crunching numbers. On Monday, commissioners set deadlines for completed budgets and determined dates for budget hearings.

It was determined budgets must be completed by Jan. 15. Associate Commissioner C.D. Stewart moved to hold a budget hearing at 10 a.m. Jan. 24. Associate Commissioner Wes Howard seconded the motion, and all commissioners agreed.

Stoddard County University of Missouri Extension Office Vice Chairman Chris Rowland presented the commissioners with a completed budget for review.

Presiding commissioner Gregg Mathis asked, “What’s different on your budget this year than what was approved for 2024?”

Rowland responded, “We raised pay $1 per hour.”

On hand, Rowland reported highlights from youth development, agriculture, nutrition and health programs offered within Stoddard County.

Rowland reported 4-H enrollment to be 148 students with 13 active clubs in Stoddard County.

“We are excited to announce a new sports shooting club in Bernie this year,” he said.

The office conducted 77 soil tests and assisted 120 people with site test licensing.

Mathis inquired, “Are we still sharing an agronomist?”

“Yes, David Guethle is stationed in Stoddard County and worked on about 1,340 acres,” said Rowland.

Rowland reported nutrition program associate Jeanie Huey made 5,181 contacts by conducting nutrition classes in Puxico, Richland, Bell City and Dexter schools.

It was learned Extension funding is a three-way partnership of federal, state and county government. The University of Missouri uses federal and state money to pay professional staff salaries, training, and communication equipment costs. County funds support the local office, staff and youth assistance salaries, council expenses and staff mileage.