KC Reporter

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1 into law in Jefferson City, a move aimed at enhancing compensation and access for county officials across Missouri.

Governor Kehoe expressed his support for the bill by stating, “I am pleased to stand behind this commonsense effort to strengthen local leadership across Missouri. This legislation is about supporting the hard-working officials who have stepped forward to serve our communities—whether they're keeping our counties safe, providing oversight for public funds, or protecting our most vulnerable citizens. It's about giving them the tools and recognition they deserve, and ensuring the stability of local communities.”

The bill was sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Rodger Reedy. It introduces several changes related to county officials:

- It allows non-charter counties to increase coroner salaries by up to $14,000, ensuring fair pay when coroners temporarily act as sheriff. It also standardizes how coroner salaries are calculated across counties.

- The bill grants county auditors greater access to records, allowing them authority to review necessary documents for accountability and transparency in financial matters.

- A pay limitation affecting the Boone County Sheriff has been corrected under SB 1. This ensures that compensation aligns with other county leadership roles and reflects the complexity of duties associated with the position.

- The legislation clarifies compensation for county public administrators by ensuring they are compensated for dual roles appointed by court orders in high-caseload situations.

For further details on SB 1 or additional provisions within the legislation, interested parties can visit senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing event are available online.