VIENNA — Notifying businesses of the discontinued 15-percent landline tax is Maries County’s responsibility, according to Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman at the June 4 meeting.

When Stratman called Trish Vincent, director of revenue, she told him that the Department of Revenue (DOR) handles collection for some but not all counties. Since Maries County receives checks directly, it is their responsibility to notify businesses to discontinue tax collection by sharing the ballot measure and certified election results showing that it passed.

“I don’t think the state likes Maries County,” Stratman said.

Voters approved Nov. 4, 2025, to separate dispatching services from the county and create the Maries County Emergency Services Board. Instead of the 15-percent landline tax, the county adopted a 1-percent sales tax, which had a May 1 effective date.

Even though the tax should no longer be in effect, some customers are still being charged. Treasurer Angie Pasley said that some checks may only be $1 while a couple have been over $1,200. She is working to notify every business that has sent a check since Jan. 1, but as of June 8, she hasn’t heard back from everyone. Contact Pasley at the Maries County Treasurer’s Office with questions.

New used dump truck

The eastern district road crew paid $71,500 for a 2004 International Truck Series 5500 with 241,000 miles. Eastern District Commissioner Rodney Southard said that his road crew foreman, Justin Georgevitch, likes the truck.

Elevator stuck

Stratman said that he got a call the afternoon of June 1 that Maries County Sheriff’s Office Disarmament Instructor Dennis Jasper and some prisoners were trapped in the courthouse elevator. After they disembarked, the elevator was closed for the rest of the day. When Century Elevators checked the elevator the next morning, they couldn’t find anything wrong. While Jasper thought that perhaps the elevator was open too long, Stratman didn’t think that would have caused an issue.

Previous elevator breakdowns have been reported, according to commissioners. For example, the commissioners at the Feb. 5 meeting discussed the need to document issues for warranty claims after someone was trapped in between floors the weekend prior. The county also spent $116,400 in February 2025 to upgrade the elevator after concerns from reoccurring issues.

MoDot’s new centralized number

Residents can no longer call local sheds for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), according to Southard. When he tried calling to report a blocked culvert on Highway A, the number was disconnected.

Residents now must call the centralized office in Jefferson City, who will contact the local shed. The official phone number for MoDOT road concerns is 888-275-6636, and the website says to contact them immediately for emergencies. This includes a flashing or off traffic signal or a knocked-down stop sign.