BENTON -- Following this week's ice storm and learning from other disasters in the spring, Scott County commissioners are working to be better able to fight the next one.
"We learned a lesson last year, that we should be prepared for this year," said Ron McCormick, commissioner.
Commissioners discussed two purchases during their regular meeting on Thursday.
"We are going to buy another small generator," said Jamie Burger, presiding commissioner.
Following damage from remnants of Hurricane Ike in September, a generator was purchased for the Highway Department. The second generator will be used to run the repeater for the 911 Communications Center.
"We need 911, and we need to be out on the roads to clear them," Burger said of the need for a second generator. He also pointed out the generators are small enough for just one employee to move.
Burger noted that there wasn't any loss of power earlier this week "but if we would have had more ice and wind, we would have had a situation like we had last year."
The generator was purchased from B&B Cycle in Sikeston for $950. That was the low bid for the generator commissioners approved earlier in the year.
Commissioners also discussed the purchase of a third spreader bed for the Highway Department.
"We can buy them used from the Missouri Department of Transportation at a discounted rate," said Burger. The addition would allow the department to clear roads more quickly, he said.
As a result of the ice storm, the courthouse was opened two hours late on Tuesday to allow time for the entrances to be cleared. Burger said he and David Dolan circuit judge, confer to decide whether there will be a delay. They are now working to develop an organizational chart to notify all county employees of such delays or closings in the future.
The delay was also updated to the county's Web site, www.scottcountymo.com. Burger reminded all employees and county residents the site is also a useful tool to advertise and learn about community events.
Repairs to the law library, which received flood damages in March, are mostly final, said Burger.
Due to the heavy rains, the walls leaked, causing damage to the third-floor room, its floor, an adjacent storage closet and the courtroom ceiling, he said.
"It looks really, really good," he said. "There are a few small things to wrap up, but the biggest part of it has been addressed."
The repairs were paid for through Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements for the damage.
Also during Thursday's meeting, commissioners made appointments to county boards.
Appointed to a three-year term on Levee District No. 2 was Bill Seiler of Commerce. Reappointed to three-year terms on the SB40 Board were Janet Grooms of Morley, James Eberhard of Sikeston and Jim O'Neal of the Vanduser area.
Commissioners praised those on all boards for their work, and mentioned they are always looking for more volunteers.
"Anybody that would like to serve on a county board of some sort, please contact the commission," said Dennis Ziegenhorn, commissioner. "We are always looking for different people with different interests and we'll be more than happy to use volunteers' time."
Due to the Christmas holiday, the courthouse will be closed Wednesday through Friday. It will also be closed Jan. 1 in observance of New Year's.