SCS/HS/HB 267 - This act modifies provisions for counties.

The act changes the months in which county commissions are required to meet.

This act allows any first class county to acquire, own, erect, operate, manage, and maintain buildings and property outside the limits of the established seat of justice. This provision is similar to SB 281 (2003).

The governing body of all counties to provide workers' compensation, health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans for county employees.

The act adds a new section allowing non-charter first, second or fourth class counties to adopt reasonable ordinances, resolution, or regulations relating to property, affairs, and local government for which no provision in state law exists for: county roads, homeland security, emergency management, nuisance abatement, stormwater control, economic development and parks and recreation. Local regulations for nuisance abatement and stormwater control excludes the ability to regulate agricultural and horticultural property. Should a municipal ordinance conflict with the county law, the municipal ordinance shall prevail within the corporate boundary of the municipality. Any such county law shall remain in effect until repealed or until it is in conflict with a state law. Any non-charter first, second or fourth counties may submit any proposed law they have the power to adopt to the registered voters of the county for approval. No first, second or fourth class county shall have power to adopt any ordinance governing any railroad, telecommunications or wireless company, utility, rural electric cooperative or municipal utility.

This act allows counties of the second, third and fourth classification to elect a County Surveyor beginning with the general election in 2004 and every four years thereafter.

The act authorizes counties adopt ordinances necessary to comply with federal storm water regulations. Counties are also authorized to establish a storm water control utility and impose a tax to fund public storm water control projects if the tax is approved by the voters.

The act allows St. Louis County to impose a semiannual registration fee not to exceed $250 on vacant property.

The act allows St. Louis City and any county within the state to levy a sales tax not to exceed one quarter of one cent for the purposes of providing services described in 210.861 after approval by the voters.

This act modifies the cost of a merchant's license. The section governing this law was double enacted in 1994. That means that different language was passed in two bills that enacted the same section. This act repeals one of the versions of this section entirely and modifies the other. The resulting fee structure from this act will enable the governing body of all charter counties and the city of St. Louis to assess a fee of up to $25, adjusted annually for inflation, not to exceed $100. Current law sets the fee in these counties and St. Louis at $5, except for Jackson county, where current law lets the governing body set the fee, not to exceed $100. In all other counties, this act sets a fee of $25. Currently, the double enacted sections conflict on this amount, setting it at $5 in one and $25 in the other. These provisions are similar to SB 527 (2003).

The act creates eligibility requirements for candidates for Public Administrator. Candidates must be at least 21, a resident of Missouri and the county to be served for at least one year prior to election. The candidate must also be a registered voter and be current in the payment of all personal and business taxes.

In all non-charter counties which use data processing systems, the County Collector and Treasurer shall establish adequate systems of bookkeeping and accounting and other procedures as well as specifying the format of the tax books and form and manner of preparation of tax bills. Necessary mechanical and electronic devices and equipment shall be procured. Any new computer enhancements shall interface with what is currently in use so that the changes and procedures shall not interrupt the performance of duties of the offices.

The act removes Sections 49.091, 49.267, 49.268, 49.269, 49.273, 49.276 from the revised statutes.
CINDY KADLEC