New commissioners tackle budget challenges and winter storms in Butler County

Larry Wells and Ralph Stucker are settling into their new roles as Butler County Western and Eastern District commissioners with the approval of the county’s 2025 budget.

“So far it’s going okay,” Stucker remarked.

Both he and Wells noted there was still much to master about the day-to-day operation of the county.

“I’m feeling good, I just have a lot to learn,” Wells added.

Both commissioners said Presiding Commissioner Vince Lampe has been helpful in showing them the ropes.

Wells and Stucker had their first trial by ice during the winter storms of the past few weeks. They described the challenge in coordinating the allocation of resources like salt brine and snowplows but applauded the efforts of the county’s employees.

Stucker said one of the largest obstacles to the county’s agenda is a lack of revenue.

“We’re constantly looking for funding,” he affirmed.

Stucker confirmed his desire to focus on drainage issues during his time in office.

“We’ve got a flooding issue,” he stated.

Wells hopes to focus on paving more roads in the county.

“We’re trying to get a grant for County Route 321,” he shared.

Lampe said both commissioners have been adjusting well to their new roles and responsibilities. He described the difficulties in making the available funds stretch for the county’s budgetary needs.

“Everybody’s tried to help and live within their means,” Lampe clarified. “It’s hard to keep employees and stay on a fixed income.”

With the difficulties in passing a local use tax measure at the ballot box, the three commissioners pointed to decreased sales tax revenue further stretching the budget.

Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter clarified the local sales tax would not be raised if the use tax passed at the county or local level, but it would be expanded to apply to products bought online. Purchases from online retailers are currently taxed at the state level, but a local measure would apply city and county taxes as well. Halter said passing a use tax would expand the existing sales tax to internet commerce, not raise it.

Stucker lamented the fact the verbiage for the ballot measure is imposed by the state and paints a picture of a new tax levy.

Lampe and Stucker attributed the consistent failure of the measure to the wording. While the trio approved a budget for this year, Lampe speculated tight funds will be a perennial feature of the new commissioners’ tenure.

“It’s getting harder and harder to live within our means,” he explained.