A countywide elected office with a four-year term, the Cole County Public Administrator’s position is held by Ralph Jobe. Mr. Jobe has been the Public Administrator since July 1, 2020.
Public Administrators serve as court appointed Personal Representatives in decedent’s estates, and as guardians and/or conservators for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or their property when there is no one else to serve. The office is assigned protective and executive accountability for the estates of deceased persons and the persons and estates of minors and incapacitated or disabled persons when there is no legal guardian or conservator or when no one competent to assume such duties is known or can be found. When ordered by the Court to assume such duties, the Public Administrator provides for the proper care of the person and protects the assets of an estate against injury, waste, theft, or loss.
Functions of the Public Administrator
Please note: Individuals awarded to the Public Administrator become "wards" of the court; also referred to as protectees and clients.
Public Administrators are appointed by the Missouri Circuit Court, County Probate Division, to serve primarily four types of cases:
- Guardian and/or conservator of disabled persons;
- Personal representative for deceased estates;
- Conservator of minor estates and/or;
- Trustee.
Public Administrator Mission
To advance quality of life for those under the guardianship of the Public Administrator while protecting autonomy and self-respect of the individuals. Wards are encouraged to participate in care plans and decision-making through informed consent. Staff for and the Public Administrator shall follow the National Guardianship Association’s Code of Ethics; exercising the highest degree of conviction and reliability while making decisions for the ward/client.
Public Administrator Staff
The Cole County Public Administrator office currently employs two full time staff; Chief Deputy Administrator and Administrative Assistant, with two part time staff (subject to change). Each member of the team is tasked with performing various accounting, clerical, reception, and case maintenance duties as assigned. The office works closely with legal staff to assess and address each client’s individual needs.
Case Load
Cole County’s Public Administrator’s Office presently serves around 211 very diverse clients. Due to the varying levels of care required by each individual; clients are attempted to be placed in Cole County but could be located in other areas of the State. Placement is based on individual need and proximity to family when possible.