Ozark County commissioners open and approve several bid offers

The Ozark County commissioners opened and approved several bid offers during the May meetings.

During the May 13 meeting, the commissioners opened bids for hot and cold mix. However, acceptance of bids was tabled in order to speak with other counties to obtain more information.

During the May 20 meeting, the commissioners voted to accept all bids received for the hot and cold mix.

According to Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton, he spoke with commissioners from other counties and he was advised that the county could accept all bids for the hot and cold mix. 

“They said accept all bids that way you lock your price and you can use whichever place is closer depending on your project locations,” said Newton.

“That makes more sense,” said Eastern District Commissioner Gary Collins. 

The commissioners unanimously voted to accept all bids received.

Bids for county propane and fuel were opened from MFA Oil and West Plains Propane. Current propane and fuel provider West Plains Propane’s bid was accepted.

Bids were also opened for the bank depository agreements. Bids were received from Stockmens Bank, Century Bank and Southern Bank.

However, acceptance of the bids was tabled until the May 28 meeting in order to read each bid carefully. 

During the May 28 meeting, the commissioners accepted the offer of the current depository agreement holder Century Bank.

“In the past it was a really easy decision, but there were so many things to consider and so many things involved, we decided to stay where we are for the time being,” said Newton. “After speaking with (Ozark County Treasurer) Christy (Thompson) we decided to stay with Century Bank.

“But we want to give a big shout out to Southern Bank and Stockmens Bank and Mason (Eslinger, bank manager) especially.”

At this week’s meeting, the commissioners said they are still working with FEMA to try and receive funding from the 2023 storm damage in Sundown and Theodosia from extreme high winds. The commissioners say it’s usually an extremely long process, saying they received funds for 2017 damage from FEMA in November 2023.

On the eastern side of the county, Collins said workers were pouring concrete on a bridge on County Road 350 to help repair the structure. 

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Correction: In last week’s Ozark County Times, an article stated that Simpson Concrete completed the rock work and concrete work on the courthouse’s entrances. While Simpson Concrete did complete the concrete work, it was Larry Miller with LM Masonry who completed the rock work. We apologize for the error.