Warren County commissioners have approved a $15,000 contribution to an organization opposing efforts to turn Interstate 70 into a toll road.The commissioners voted Monday to provide funding after receiving a written request for $20,000 from the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council. Most of the money would be transferred to the political consulting firm Barklage & Knodell, according to the request.Local government and business leaders have been worried about a renewed effort to turn I-70 into a toll road after similar initiatives were defeated in years past. A bill to allow tolling was filed in the Missouri House of Representatives late last year.County commissioners attached two requirements to the funding agreement. First, the money can only be used for anti-tolling efforts as defined in the submitted request. That can include advertising, polling, messaging through social media or direct mail, as well as other costs.Second, Barklage & Knodell must establish a 501(c) not-for-profit organization to manage anti-tolling funds, and register the organization with the Missouri Ethics Commission. County commissioners said they would need proof of 501(c) status before writing a check.Before approving the funding, commissioners consulted with attorney Travis Elliot to confirm that the contribution is allowed by Missouri statute. Elliot serves as legal counsel for the Missouri Association of Counties.“The only issue in state law is supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures,” Elliot said. “When it comes to legislation in front of the general assembly, that does not create a statutory issue for the county ... to contribute those funds.”However, the county needs to be careful if lawmakers pass legislation that goes to a vote of the people, Elliot said. No county-contributed funds could be spent to oppose or support the issue once it is on an electoral ballot.Warren County Administration BuildingRecord photo