PERRYVILLE – The minutes of the December 15 meeting of the Perry County Commissino meeting have been released
PERRY COUNTY COMMISSION MINUTES
Monday, December 15, 2025
Now on the 15th day of December, the Perry County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer 1 st Commissioner Jay Wengert District 2 nd District Commissioner Keith A. Hoehn, Clerk Jared Kutz and Deputy Clerk Amanda Layton are present.
Prior Minutes
Commissioner Wengert motioned to approve the Commission open and executive session minutes dated December 11, 2025. Commissioner Hoehn seconded the motion, and the motion passes by vote:
Commissioner Sauer (yes), Commissioner Wengert (yes), Commissioner Hoehn (yes)
Public Comment
Citizen Charlie Geringer questioned why commission agenda for today’s meeting was not posted on the Perry County website. Deputy Amanda Layton advised that it was posted. Layton discovered a posting error that had the agenda posted in the wrong folder on the website and corrected the error. It was noted that all agendas had been posted in the public building per statute. The Commission thanked Geringer for pointing out the error with online post.
Road and Bridge Report
Now at this time comes Road and Bridge Supervisor Bruce Orman to give report of the department. The group discussed concerns with PCR 538 and Hwy F intersection. Orman provided an update on grading progress.
Buildings and Grounds Report
Now at this time comes Building and Grounds employee Bryan Lorenz to give report on the department. Lorenz provided an update on HVAC at Perry County Courthouse and maintenance at the Perry County Joint Justice Center.
Emergency Management
Now at this time comes Emergency Management Director Pat Naeger who reports on the activities of the department. Naeger provided an update on FEMA funding from the March tornado. Naeger has been working with Red Cross and other agencies to provide relief to family impacted by residential fire last week.
Clerk’s Report
Now at this time comes Clerk Jared Kutz to discuss work done on the Commission’s behalf. The Clerk provided quotes for work needed done at Legion Lake. The Commission are awaiting a third quote before decisions are made.
The Clerk said we would be scheduling this week for the closing of the sale of the former Perry County Sheriff’s Department. The Clerk requested authorization for an EFT payment to Wireless USA.
Heritage Tourism Report
Now at this time comes Perry County Heritage Tourism Director Trish Erzfeld to discuss happenings of the department. Erzfeld reported installation of the Christmas lights had challenges this year as cost of the installation exceeded the amount tourism had budgeted. Erzfeld will have to hire a lift to remove the lights. Erzfeld asked that for 2026 that the city, county and tourism work together for installation. Wengert suggested reaching out to businesses through the Chamber to see who can supply a lift for putting them up.
Erzfeld said the Christmas Country Church Tour will celebrate its 20th year this season. She reported a record number of 40 churches are participating this weekend. She has three tour buses coming to town on Thursday for the tour along with the Missouri Division of Tourism that will be in Perry County on Friday to highlight areas of Perry County. Erzfeld asked if Christmas lights could be on in the courthouse for their visit.
Erzfeld requested an update on Legion Lake water installation project as members of the biking community have asked when bathrooms will be available. The Commission said the contractor Earth First is still waiting on materials necessary for completion of project.
Erzfeld said it was determined at the Tourism Board monthly meeting that tourism would fund the decorations of flags and bunting for the courthouse to commemorate the USA 250th celebration. Funding will come out of additional transient tax money. Erzfeld had concerns if décor would be up by Mayfest due to funding constrictions. The group discussed what the installation of the 60-80 flags would entail and how bunting would be installed on the porches of the courthouse. The group discussed holding a USA 250 meeting December 29.
MAN Contact Amendments
Now at this time, the Commission hears a second and final reading of Amendments to the Municipal Area Network agreement with the City of Perryville.
The contract has been amended to better clarify responsibility. In the initial agreement the county would pay for 911 and the city would pay for the MAN and each entity would pay for their half of services quarterly. The previous contract lacked clarity on this matter. The amended contract makes this clearer. After due consideration, Commissioner Sauer motioned to approve the amendments to the Municipal Area Network. Commissioner Hoehn seconded the motion, and the motion passes by vote: Commissioner Sauer (yes), Commissioner Wengert (yes), Commissioner Hoehn (yes)
Adjourn
With there being no further business, Commissioner Hoehn motioned to adjourn the meeting until Thursday, December 18, 2025. Commissioner Wengert seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Sauer (yes), Commissioner Wengert (yes), Commissioner Hoehn (yes).
______________________________ __________________________
/s/ Presiding Commissioner /s/ County Clerk