Southeast Missouri county saves money by going down in class designation

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Having a little less class can save money.

Effective Jan. 1, New Madrid County will once again be a third-class county, like most counties across Missouri. As a third-class entity, New Madrid County no longer is required to have an auditor.

County Clerk Clement Cravens said the change will save the county about $75,000 in salary and office expenses.

Also the designation will result in a reinstatement of a mailing fee through the collector's office. Cravens said this will bring in $35,000 to $40,000 in additional revenue.

The changes are reflected in the 2011 budget approved by the county commissioners earlier this month.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO