Missouri Revised Statutes Title VI. County, Township and Political Subdivision Government § 50.032. Mediation of disputes necessary for receipt of state funds

No county shall receive any state funds unless the county has determined, by order or ordinance, to agree to engage in mediation if a dispute concerning a financial expenditure arises between such county and another county as to which county is fully responsible or if both counties are partially responsible for paying such expenses. Mediation under this section shall be nonbinding and independently administered. The counties shall mutually agree upon a qualified independent and neutral county commissioner of a county not involved in the dispute to serve as mediator, and shall share the costs of the mediator. If the counties cannot mutually agree upon a county commissioner to serve as mediator, the matter shall be resolved by a three-person arbitration panel consisting of a county commissioner selected by each county, and one person selected by such selected county commissioners. In the event that a three-person arbitration panel is necessary, each county shall jointly and equally bear with the other county the expense of the arbitration. The mediation or arbitration shall take place within thirty days of the selection of the mediator or arbitration panel. Any decision issued by an arbitration panel may be appealed to the circuit court to determine the portion of expenses each county shall be responsible for paying.