Counties get more authority for local control

It's impossible: The Missouri's Legislature simply can't predict every issue that individual counties will have to contend with in the regular course of business.

First, the state's 114 counties are extremely diverse, from mountain country with just a few thousand people to the urban areas to the Bootheel's farmland.

So doesn't it make more sense that local government -- the county commissioners who residents have elected to look out for their needs -- be allowed to pass ordinances to make their individual counties run more smoothly?

That's what the Missouri Association of Counties, headed by Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones, contended in its argument to the legislature this year. As a result, Cape Girardeau County and 21 others around the state will receive a greater degree of autonomy, thanks to new legislation. Gov. Bob Holden signed the bill last week. The new law takes effect Aug. 28.

Up till now, counties couldn't pass ordinances on issues such as emergency management, storm-water control, nuisance abatement, parks or economic development. County governments only have those powers given to them by the Missouri Constitution or state statute.

As a result, county officials often have to get the General Assembly's approval to address local issues. The new law will give some counties the flexibility to handle more local problems on their own without going through the time-consuming and uncertain process of getting something done in Jefferson City.

The bill as originally written would have applied to all counties. Its scope later was limited because a number of lawmakers weren't comfortable with such a blanket expansion of county powers. Some preferred giving all counties the right to adopt charter forms of government. Currently, only first-class counties with high populations can do so. Charters determine what powers counties have, what offices are elected or appointed and require voter approval.

The Missouri Association of Counties didn't like the charter idea for two reasons. First they were afraid what might end up in charters. Second, voters in every county might not adopt a charter.

Lawmakers concerned about the association's proposal noted that residents in many counties may not want their local governments to have increased powers. That is why they excluded third-class counties, which account for the bulk of Missouri's counties.

However, if all goes well with the 22 counties that have newly expanded powers, the legislature should look at extending more local county control throughout the state.