St. Francois County Commission Approves Purchase of US Bank Buildings

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - St. Francois County Commissioners have approved the county's purchase of the US Bank buildings in downtown Farmington at a cost of just over $1.5 million.

Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher presented the proposal at Tuesday's meeting, saying the county would be getting an additional judge, which requires an extra courtroom. Several departments, including the sheriff's department, are also overloaded with people and desks, requiring space the county does not have.

Gallaher says this potential purchase has been in the making for a couple of years.

Some space, enough for US Bank to maintain its business operations, will be leased back to the bank for $69,930 yearly, with a 2% increase each year.

Funding for the purchase comes from marijuana tax funds as well as part of the general stabilization fund. No debt will be incurred as a result of the purchase.