County commission discusses area townships

Nevada Daily Mail

One recent issue with a Vernon County township was resolved, but others problems were brought to the attention of the Vernon County Commission as they met Tuesday morning.

After having gone more than a month without a trustee, clerk or enough members to make decisions or sign the checks, the Richland township once again has a trustee after the commissioners appointed and swore in Wayne Harth, who volunteered for the position Tuesday.

"I was hoping someone else would volunteer," said Harth, who about six years ago had served on the township board for about six years.

But seeing the need, Harth told the commissioners that he would serve as a trustee, and also told them that his wife was interested in serving as the clerk for the township.

With his appointment to the position, Harth will then see if there is a remaining township board member who had not resigned. If so, they will appoint the clerk and write a recommendation for the commissioners for a second board member.

In the next week or so, Harth will be able to sign for township funding from the county and begin work on the roads and other projects in the township.

"We appreciate someone stepping up," northern commissioner Neal Gerster said.

But while the situation in that township greatly improved, Becky Hardin of the Drywood township met with the commissioners Tuesday morning as well, but to bring several issues in the township to their attention.

Hardin said she recently printed off a list of Missouri rules for the township form of government but has not seen some of those statutes followed in her township.

"I've been to our township meetings and none of them are being held," Hardin said.

Instead, Hardin said she has seen homes and pets abandoned, yards not taken care of, piles of trash heaped on property and roads in disrepair or graveled selectively so board members benefit from it the most. She said they also only post the meeting agenda in Sheldon and at times the information is incorrect. Areas zoned as residential areas have also been used for agricultural purposes instead.

Hardin said she would run for a position on the board herself but can not because of health concerns. She asked the commission if it were possible for the township boards to receive training for their positions so they understand their responsibilities.

"I just would like to know what can be done about this," Hardin said.

Presiding commissioner Joe Hardin, who is no relation to Becky Hardin, said the county does not have jurisdiction or any zoning or regulation authority over the townships, despite having had township residents come to them for assistance.

"It's tough for you, it's tough for us," Joe told Hardin, who had said she does not agree with the township form of government.

The commissioners told Hardin they would try to visit her township that afternoon to see some of the issues for themselves. They also encouraged her to speak with the health department representative concerning some of those issues.