County of police: Gasconade County
Location of police: Kansas City St. & Sycamore St., Baxter Admin. Building, Bland
Phone: (non-911): (573) 646-3850
There is one office, the chief resigned, and one civilian employee of this department.
Proposition A — allowing the board of aldermen to appoint a marshal instead of elect one — passed 29-9, the marshal’s position was still required to be on the ballot. Former marshal Patrick Boatman resigned in September and the board was unable to fill the position while meeting the ordinance requirements, so it remained vacant.
"With no incumbent and no declared candidate, the marshal position was open to write-ins and received two: Don Smith and Hans Rassmusen.
"Conversation about whether the marshal write-ins would have to be tracked down commenced since Proposition A passed. Public Works Director Jason Lewis, a former police officer, told the board they did need to track down the marshal write-ins.
“(Prop A) doesn’t take effect until next term,” Lewis said.
“I will contact Don Smith because Hans doesn’t qualify since he lives outside the city limits,” Krupp said.
Spradling asked if it was the Smith she was thinking of, because he was 83 or 88-years-old, although he is a retired police officer. The board agreed it is the same person.
“If Don says no, the mayor and board can appoint someone,” Krupp said.
"The elected marshal’s position was a four-year commitment, but it is unclear if the four-year term starts again each time a marshal is elected because a former marshal left before their term was completed. Former marshal Tom Dodson stepped down in 2018 during election time and former marshal Patrick Boatman was elected in 2019, but stepped down in September 2019. The board did not rehire a marshal at that time because no one fit the requirements. Instead they hired Dwayne Goodridge who has been working in the patrolman position for a little over six months.
"When asked if the board would have to wait four years before Proposition A took effect, Krupp said she thought it was a moot point.
“If Don Smith says no, then I think this whole thing will be voided,” Krupp said. “I asked the county how it works and they told me as much as they could. You have to put the marshal on the ballot in case Proposition A doesn’t pass. If it does pass with no candidates for the position then it takes effect. However, with the write-in votes, we have to offer it to them if they are eligible. If they refuse, then we start Proposition A.”
"Krupp said Medlock tried contacting Smith, but was unable to reach him yet. She feels they will probably continue with the current situation as Goodridge has already assumed the marshal’s responsibilities." ~ Maries County Advocate