Purcell proposes he take on greater oversight of Cape Girardeau County parks to save money

With Cape Girardeau County parks superintendent Bruce Watkins leaving his position earlier this month, Commissioner Jay Purcell has proposed that for the next 30 to 60 days he assume many of the superintendent's duties.

Purcell said by taking on the responsibilities and distributing other duties to park staff, the county will be able to eliminate the superintendent's position, resulting in a savings to taxpayers of more than $50,000.

Purcell said after a month or two, he plans to propose more formal, permanent job classifications that would reflect a change in responsibilities.

As staff members took on additional duties, he said, he'd expect the county to offer more compensation. He does not propose any pay increase for himself. The total extra money offered to staff would not exceed $15,000, he said.

"We're going to do more with less," he said.

Part of Purcell's plan to streamline the department includes placing the parks reservation system online.

"It's a great service to the county, but it takes a lot of time," he said.

He asked the commission to allow him and park foreman Bryan Sander to attend a one-day training seminar in St. Louis to learn more about what the switch to an online system would entail and cost.

Purcell also asked the commission to allow him or Sander to join the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association. Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said there seemed to be benefits to joining the association but that he'd rather the county hold the membership, as opposed to an individual.

Watkins left the county's employ Feb. 9. While Purcell and County Clerk Kara Clark Summers would not comment on the nature of his departure, citing confidentiality, Watkins said he decided to retire a little earlier than planned in order to enjoy some time on his motorcycle.

Other action

Commissioners also:

• Approved a motion to allow Commissioner Paul Koeper to move forward on plans to repair and remodel a basement courtroom in the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson. The courtroom has recently suffered termite damage. The repair cost is not in the budget and would be about $15,000.
• Said they would look into reimbursing Sander for part of his monthly cell phone bill. Purcell said Sander routinely uses his personal cell phone for county business and isn't compensated by the county.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO