When it comes to Cole County Western District commissioner, Kris Scheperle and Janet Ousley want the seat.
On the Aug. 2 ballot, voters will choose between incumbent Scheperle and fellow Republican candidate Ousley for the Cole County Western District commissioner position. Because there is no Democratic candidate, whoever wins on the August ballot will win the seat.
In Cole County, the county commissioner job is considered a part-time position, with a $39,100 per year salary.
Scheperle said the county handles many things well, but there's always room for improvement, noting competitive salaries and benefits are the biggest challenge for Cole County right now.
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As we approach Aug. 2, look for our election logo to see which race or issue we're profiling. Let us know what questions you have before heading to the polls by sending them to [email protected] or by using #MoVotes on Facebook and Twitter."I believe that we are close to being fully staffed, but there may be some departments that need additional personnel," Scheperle said, noting law enforcement, road crews and emergency medical services are all areas where additional personnel could help improve safety.
Also, while Scheperle would like to add some positions, he noted not adding positions in the last few years has allowed the county to give pay increases to county employees, moving them closer to a competitive wage. When asked how that could continue while looking to add new positions, Scheperle said it's a balancing act that can be achieved through an increase in the county's tax base, meaning revenue growth and not any new taxes.
Ousley said the county's public works department provides excellent service, and she would like to see that continue, as well as expand so the county can pave more roads.
To Ousley, the biggest challenge facing the county is providing quality services without raising taxes. She said the county should look at applying for more federal and state grants to more effectively use its resources, as well as looking for areas to potentially "tweak," like overtime and the county's charitable donations.
Ousley said she also would like to see the county add more deputies for the sheriff's department and pay increases to keep good employees from leaving the area.
"I have been told our deputies are seriously underpaid, causing many to move on to better paying jobs," Ousley said. "This is unacceptable."
When it comes to charitable donations, Scheperle said the commission's practice of donating tax dollars to charitable organizations through contracts is not the proper function of a government body.
"I oppose and have voted against charitable giving with your tax dollars," Scheperle said. "If an individual wants to contribute to a charity, they can freely do so."
Ousley said while the practice is allowed by state statute, the amounts given to different organizations should be scrutinized closely.
"Is an organization like Crime Stoppers receiving more or less than, let's say, Thursday Night Live?" she asked. "Is one declared economic development and the other public safety?"
In recent years, the commission has struggled at times with how much weight to give to local bidders on county contracts.
Scheperle said he believes the county should award contracts to the lowest and best bidder, regardless of whether they are local, unless "prior experience or poor references determine that another vendor is the best option."
Ousley said she believes the county should give preference to local bidders, noting the issue "is a sticking point for me."
Annexation attempts by Jefferson City and St. Martins have come about in recent years, and as municipalities expand, the county's unincorporated region shrinks.
Scheperle said annexation attempts by municipalities should be left up to those entities and the residents of the proposed annexation area, but the County Commission should keep out of the discussion.
"I don't think the county should have a position on annexation, but the people and businesses in these areas should have a voice and a vote whether to be annexed or not," Scheperle said.
Ousley said she would like to see all municipalities discuss annexations with the county to allow for cohesive growth and a unified voice.
"We need to work to create boundaries and identify what is needed for growth and the preservation of a good life for family, businesses alike," Ousley said.
Editor's note: Janet Ousley is employed by the News Tribune in the advertising department.
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