County Treasurer Wants Bond Raised

Crawford County Treasurer Karen Sikes told commissioners Nov. 15 that she wants to see her bond increased.

Sikes is currently bonded at $250,000.

Missouri state statutes say the county treasurer must be bonded at no less than $20,000 or more than the highest amount of money held at any one time during the year prior to election or appointment.

Sikes said she would like to be bonded at around one-quarter of everything the county collected in taxes last year, which was $8.5 million.

She told commissioners the bond can be paid from the fines fund.

District 2 Commissioner Jared Boast asked Sikes what she would like it to be.

Sikes said that according to the law, it should be over $2 million.

Boast questioned if Sikes was able, in her personal capacity, to be bonded for such a high amount.

“I was four years ago,” said Sikes, who said being bonded at a high amount is for the protection of the 

county taxpayers.

“You pick a number, bring us back the cost and a plan,” Boast said. He said that Sikes needed to explain how high she should be bonded and the duration.

“Pick whatever gives you peace of mind and that you’re following the law and protecting taxpayers,” he said.