MARIES COUNTY — The Maries County Emergency Services Board held its first official meeting Jan. 16, at Station 1 in the Vienna Fire Protection District.

The meeting marked the first step in transitioning county dispatch operations to an independent governing body following voter approval of funding for an emergency services board.

The board heard a presentation from Sarah Newell, interim director of Missouri 911 and director of Polk County 911 dispatch, who provided guidance on organizing the board, establishing operations and preparing for the transition to independent oversight.

Newell told board members the county has included dispatch operations in its budget through June 30, covering approximately six months of expenses while the new group prepares to assume full responsibility. She also explained that the county has covered half of a $7,500 annual agreement related to address point and road centerline maintenance performed through the assessor’s office.

According to Newell, the emergency services sales tax will begin collecting April 1, with the first distribution expected after June 30. After that initial quarterly distribution, funds would be received monthly through electronic transfers.

Newell outlined several administrative steps the board must complete, including obtaining a federal employer identification number, establishing its own ORI (Originating Agency Identifier, which is a unique 9-character code assigned by the FBI to identify specific law enforcement or criminal justice agencies for secure data exchange) number through the Missouri State Highway Patrol, setting up a bank account, determining payroll services and securing insurance coverage. She said the board should allow two to three months for the transition process.

She also advised the board on bonding requirements, legal counsel and Sunshine Law compliance, noting that they will be eligible to apply for state and federal grants once fully established.

Following the presentation, the board elected officers. Keith Kilmer was elected vice chair, Cindy Butler was elected secretary and Steve Conrad was elected treasurer. Alan Pollerisz was appointed custodian of records.

The board also discussed organizational issues, including establishing a mailing address in Vienna and identifying Board Chair Bonnie Prigge as the primary contact. Members agreed to begin the process of seeking bids from local banks to establish an account and to pursue tax-exempt status as a governmental entity.

Sample bylaws provided by Newell were reviewed, with board members agreeing to focus on bylaws development at their next meeting. Additional discussion centered on the need to gather information related to staffing, benefits, equipment, subscriptions and insurance costs in preparation for developing a formal budget.

The Maries County Emergency Services Board was appointed by the Maries County Commission on Dec. 1 as part of implementing the new 911 governance structure approved by voters. The seven-member board was intentionally structured to reflect geographic and professional balance, with three members appointed from the west side of the Gasconade River, three from the east side and one at-large representative.

Appointed from the western side of the county are Allan Pollerisz, representing fire services; Don Lanning, representing ambulance services; and Steve Sinden, who serves in active law enforcement and has been a county resident for more than 10 years.

Appointed from the eastern side of the county are Stephen Conrad, a retired former ambulance board member serving as a public representative; Keith Kilmer, a retired law enforcement officer who brings a public safety background; and Cindy Butler, president of the Ozark Central Ambulance District, representing ambulance services.

Prigge, who is active with the Vichy Fire Department, was appointed to chair the board and oversee its organization and transition process.

The seven appointed members will serve during the transition period leading up to the April 2026 election, when voters will elect new board members. Appointed members are eligible to seek election.

The board voted to hold regular meetings on the third Friday of each month when possible. The next meeting is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Vienna Fire Protection District, with bylaws development expected to be the primary focus.

Maries County Clerk Rhonda Rodgers, Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner, Sheriff Mark Morgan and 911 Director Nicole Bexten attended the meeting to answer questions from the new board on current operations of emergency dispatch. The meeting concluded with the board voting to enter closed session to discuss real estate matters, as permitted under Missouri law.