Butler County Western District Commissioner Dennis “Boots” LeGrand is retiring after eight years in office. He originally sought the position after serving 37 years as a lineman with Municipal Utilities. LeGrand has been known as “Boots” since he was six years old, a nickname his brother gave him.
“Most people don’t even know my real name,” he joked.
LeGrand said he gained many of the interpersonal skills critical to his role from working with his father in the LeGrand feed store.
In his time with the county, he worked with his Eastern District counterpart, Don Anderson, to replace three bridges on county roads 410, 350, and 260.
Other accomplishments include the railroad overpass for the industrial park and an ongoing river study regarding levees.
“We’ve come a long way on that,” LeGrand said. “We’re getting there.”
Also during his tenure, the county used COVID grant money to renovate the courthouse with new lighting, heat and air units, floors, and windows.
Other projects included rebuilding the prosecutor’s office and starting repairs on the juvenile center and county jail.
One item of pride for LeGrand has been the county budget.
“I’ve been here eight years and had eight balanced budgets,” he said.
LeGrand foresees money being a large challenge for his successor. With no use tax in place, he is concerned the revenue coming into the county will decrease with each year.
“COVID money is drying up now,” he warned.
One of the projects he wished he could have completed was paving the road to the Cane Creek Rock Quarry. With the large volume of trucks traversing the route every day, better options are needed.
“We’re still working on it,” LeGrand noted.
He will leave office on Dec. 31 to focus on family and run for the Ozark Border Electric Cooperative Board.
“I’ve enjoyed my time,” he elaborated. “It has been a great experience.”
LeGrand has three children and six grandchildren. He hopes to be able to travel with his wife and enjoy his retirement.
LeGrand credited his support network for being there for him over the years, “I’d like to thank all my friends and family.”