Cape County extends Magnet contract for two years

The Cape Girardeau County Commission on Monday passed a motion to extend the county's contract with Cape Girardeau Area Magnet for two years in order to help the business recruitment organization create stability while it hires a new executive director.

Former executive director Mitch Robinson's annual contract was not renewed in December after leading the organization for 18 years. Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger serves as chairman of the Magnet board of directors and has said he will assemble a search committee to find Robinson's replacement.

The county commission usually contracts with Magnet on a yearly basis, but agreed to a two-year extension to support the organization during the transition. The not-for-profit works with expanding and relocating businesses that are considering a location in the Cape Girardeau area.

Cape Girardeau County has budgeted to pay $67,000 in Magnet dues in 2012. Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City and the county all contribute dues to the organization to support it in promoting area business and industry. Each city and the county has a representative on the board of directors.

In other business

• Recorder of Deeds Scott R. Clark submitted the February fee report for his office and highlighted an increase compared to last February in processing documents such as deeds of trust. In one week last month, about 1,600 pages were processed, compared to the usual amount of 1,000 to 1,100, he said. Clark said when deed of trust documents are moving through his office at an increased rate, it suggests that more banking and real estate transactions are taking place.

"Money is flowing and houses are selling, which is a good thing," Clark said.

• The county accepted bids for automotive, truck and machinery tires for the Highway Department. Purcell Tire and Rubber Co. of Potosi, Mo., was the only bidder and information submitted was referred to the Highway Department for review.
• Metal detection enthusiasts, or "detectorists," are planning to attend Thursday's commission meeting to voice their concerns and give input about allowing them to look for historic artifacts on county grounds. Last Thursday, the commission declined a request to scan the courthouse lawn in Jackson and agreed to not allow private individuals to dig on county property. Interested community members are invited.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Sq., Jackson, MO