Missouri’s Sunshine Law, fiscal responsibilities, and board procedures can intimidate newly elected and seasoned officials alike. This month public officials in northern Missouri have the opportunity to learn about those subjects and more during training sessions held by University of Missouri Extension.
Public board members and elected officials will receive in-depth training on the evenings of January 19 and January 21 from 6-9 p.m.. Participants may choose from five locations in Unionville, Mexico, Chillicothe, Brookfield or Memphis.
“Many of our local governmental boards receive very little or no training and yet we as a public expect them to carry out large responsibilities and this training is designed to assist them in that respect,” says Joe Koenen, Agricultural Business Specialist with University of Missouri Extension who is helping coordinate the program. “It will help board members better understand their role and to know what resources are available if they have questions and concerns later on.”
According to Tracy Marlo Daugherty, Community Development Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, public boards include ambulance districts, fair boards, fire protection districts, health departments, public water supplies, soil and water conservation districts, hospitals, library boards, townships, city councils, and county commissions.
“The training sessions cover bid procedures, the Fair Labor Standards Act, closed sessions, parliamentary procedure, personnel policies, media relations, and other basics for boards accepting taxpayer funds,” explains Daugherty. “Participants like the relaxed classroom environment that encourages peer conversation and questions.”
A $50 registration fee includes both evening sessions, meals, and materials. Register by January 12 for any of the five locations by contacting the University of Missouri Extension office in Putnam County at 660-947-2705 or koenenj@missouri.edu