Cape Girardeau County to advertise board positions online; man confronts commissioner over lawsuit costs

Future positions on county boards will now be advertised online.

During its meeting Thursday the Cape Girardeau County Commission voted to advertise any available positions on its website, capecounty.us. Among the available positions a vacant seat on the SB40 board, which will be accepted through

May 27.

The SB40 board is empowered to establish or operate residence facilities and related services for care or employment of those with developmental disabilities.

Earlier in the meeting, Jim Roche of Jackson discussed a letter he sent to District 2 Commissioner Jay Purcell in late April concerning a lawsuit filed against the county commission for allegedly violating the Sunshine Law in 2008. The letter was written soon after Roche picketed Purcell outside the county administrative building over the same issue.

The suit that went before the Missouri Supreme Court cost the county more than $26,000. The Supreme Court on April 6 rejected Purcell's claim that he and his colleagues engaged in an illegal closed meeting.

Purcell, who said he suggested that Roche approach him about the letter at one of the commission's meetings, told Roche he should study other lawsuits in which the county spent money, such as a 2004 lawsuit involving a dispute between the county and Jackson over a road and bridge tax. The disagreement was over whether the county owed the city 25 percent of the county road and bridge tax revenue it collected from Jackson residents.

Jackson had argued that it was due the money while the county said the city misread the statute. A settlement was reached in 2005 that included the county paying the city $350,000 in five yearly installments. The county spent about $13,000 for attorney fees during the court battle.

"So I understand your passion for wanting to protect taxpayer money," Purcell said. "But please understand that for our democracy to move forward, people with backbone have to stand up and challenge the process. And I respect that's what you're trying to do."

Purcell said that if Roche's intent is not politically motivated but is instead intended to hold all governmental bodies accountable for legal fees spent on lawsuits lost, then he applauds that effort. Purcell said he would even help Roche compile a list of such cases concerning the county if needed.

"I think you owe the taxpayers," Roche said.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Sq., Jackson, MO