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SCS/SB 199 - This act modifies the classification of counties. The assessed valuation necessary to qualify as a first class county is increased from the current $450 million to $600 million.

The act modifies Section 48.030, RSMo, to allow any county that has the requisite assessed valuation to become a first class county to choose to do so upon an affirmative vote of the counties governing body, even though the county has not had such valuation for five successive years as required under current law.

The act authorizes the Boone County Counselor to prosecute certain misdemeanors in order to seek a civil fine of not more than $1,000 per violation. Fines collected pursuant to this act shall be paid into the county general fund to be used to pay for the cost of enforcement of such misdemeanors.

The act authorizes counties to adopt ordinances that are necessary to comply with federal storm water regulations. Counties may also establish storm water control utilities with authority to impose user fees for administration and, if approved by voters, utility taxes to fund public storm water control projects.

RICHARD MOORE