Impasse easily could have been prevented

P State law is clear about the process to be used in spending tax dollars. This procedure apparently was ignored when repairs were needed at the Scott County Jail.

Sheriffs bear a heavy responsibility, perhaps more serious than police officials in other jurisdictions.

They are elected. They must answer to the people not only for how safe they keep the counties they serve, but also for how they have used tax dollars. They must be examples of propriety.

Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell let his constituents down on those points over an air conditioner for the aging jail he oversees.

Certainly, Ferrell has a challenge with that jail. He's waiting for a new one to be built and must in the meantime deal with the problems that plague an old building. Most recently, it was with the heating and cooling system.

A breakdown that occurred last winter could have poisoned the inmates and guards with noxious fumes. It required a repair in the middle of the night from Bridger Heating and Air Conditioning of Sikeston, Mo.

It was understandable that Ferrell should act quickly, and it was admirable that Bridger workers would come out in the wee hours of Dec. 31 -- New Year's Eve. Kenny Bridger warned that the repair was a temporary fix and gave Ferrell an estimate for a new unit. He also provided an estimate for a heating and air-conditioning unit provided by a competitor.

The real problem arose with that same unit in August.

This time, the air conditioning went out in boiling summer temperatures. Ferrell went back to Bridger on Aug. 9. Twelve days later, Bridger installed a $9,730 unit.

Ferrell said that's the way he's always done business.

The trouble is, that's not how Missouri law dictates elected officials do business. County commissions accept bids and let contracts, not sheriffs. And they do so customarily after taking at least three bids.

Yes, there is leeway in the law for emergencies, but the 12-day delay in the work would indicate it was not an emergency.

So Ferrell should not be surprised that the commission is refusing to pay the bill.

Members believe approving payment of the bill would imply approval of Ferrell's approach. And they can't have the unit removed, because Ferrell might shut down the jail.

The impasse would have been prevented if Ferrell simply had consulted Missouri law and then followed it instead of acting on his own.

Taxpayers -- and voters -- would thank him for it.