Cape County recorder withdraws restructuring proposal

Recorder Scott R. Clark formally withdrew his June 6 proposal for restructuring his department at Thursday's Cape Girardeau County Commission meeting.

Clark's proposal asked for two employees to receive a $4,000 per year raise to take on more duties so a deputy position vacated earlier in the year would not have to be filled. The change was predicted to save the county $25,000 per year.

Clark said after the meeting he would re-evaluate and revisit the proposal later in the year.

Margaret Yates, grant administrator from the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission, attended a public hearing as part of the county commission's regular meeting as the last required step close out a $425,000 grant given to the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority for harbor dredging. The grant was administered by Cape Girardeau County and funded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Yates told commissioners last year's dredging was successful, removing 93,000 cubic yards of material and keeping harbor traffic going and the port open.

An update from Andrea Cunningham on Melaina's Magical Playland was canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said he thought the playground would be a good addition to the county's parks, but the commission should gather questions to find out who will be expected to maintain the playground once it is constructed.

Other action

• Commissioners approved a request to purchase 11 computer for $5,016 from Innovative Idea of Jackson. Six computers will go to the Cape Girardeau 911 center, one each will go to emergency management and mapping and appraisal, and three will go to the archive center.
• Eric McGowen, the county's information technology director, told commissioners each department needed new computers for various reasons, including age of current computers and performance issues. The money for the computers will come out of each division's budget.
• Awarded a bid of $19,960 to Slinkard Painting of Cape Girardeau to paint the county administration building. It was the lowest of three bids.

eragansemissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson MO