Cole County Commission approves series of contracts, grants and a road-and-bridge budget adjustment

The Cole County Commission on June 9 approved a slate of routine contracts, grant applications and a road-and-bridge budget adjustment, moving forward several county programs and local infrastructure efforts.

The commission authorized a sole-source signature for replacement batteries from Outdoor Warning Consulting to maintain the county’s existing outdoor siren system, signed an annual independent-contractor agreement with JCMG to provide diagnostic follow-up services for the county’s Show Me Healthy Women clients, and renewed the county’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PEP) contract that helps fund two public-health positions. The panel also signed a $5,571 cost-reimbursement subaward with the University of Missouri related to the county’s participation in the Avalier clinical trial and renewed the adult brain-injury service coordination contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

“These are standard renewals that keep services operating,” a county staff member said while presenting the contracts. Commissioner Otto said, “I concur with Eric’s suggestion,” when asked about a related item.

The commission approved a second and final reading of budget adjustment number four, moving $446,592.86 into the road-and-bridge fund to cover an insurance claim tied to road work. It also voted to approve accounts payable upon review.

Separately, the panel accepted two federal and state grant actions: a FY25 bulletproof-vest award (federal 50/50 match) and a FY25 DTF Mustang drug-task-force grant application for $143,867.01 to purchase forensic and evidence-handling equipment. The county will provide required matches where applicable.

Commissioners voiced general support for the items and approved each by voice vote as presented. The motions and approvals were routine and did not generate extended debate.

The commission recessed until 4:30 p.m. after completing the agenda items scheduled for this session. The next formal actions on several of these contracts may require signatures or follow-up by county staff.