Stoddard County declares state of emergency; government building closes

Monday, March 23, 2020

BLOOMFIELD -- Stoddard County Commissioners voted Monday morning to issue a state of emergency for the county in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While no cases of COVID-19 had been diagnosed (as of 10 a.m. Monday) in the county, the commissioners voted 3-0 to begin a state of emergency immediately.

According to the proclamation, “all public offices and employees of Stoddard County, Missouri, are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in discharge of duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in the execution of emergency laws, regulations and directives, state and local.”

In addition, “all citizens are called upon and directed to comply with necessary emergency measures, to cooperate with public officials and the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency’s forces in executing emergency operational plans and to obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified public officers.”

Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington said that the state of emergency allows the county to set up emergency operation centers in coordination with the Stoddard County Ambulance District, if necessary.

The proclamation qualifies the county for funds that may be used to pay for sanitizing facilities and help pay employees who are sent home because of COVID-19, if Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency decide to provide monetary support.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to close the government building, effective immediately, although offices will be in operation during regular business hours.

Many items of business may be resolved over the phone, so contact the appropriate office at the following numbers: recorder, 573-568-3444 or 573-568-2545; assessor, 573-568-3163; collector, 573-568-3327; public administrator, 573-568-3830; county clerk, 573-568-3339 or prosecuting attorney at 573-568-4640 or 573-568-3150.

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