Joplin may replace pass-fail restaurant inspections with 1-100 scores

Joplin restaurants and convenience stores could soon get public health inspection scores instead of simply passing or failing an inspection.

Mayor Rob O'Brian told the KZRG Morning Newswatch that the Joplin Health Department is proposing a point-based system that would begin establishments at 100 points, with deductions made for health and sanitation violations.

"They have points attached to those. So starting at 100, you start getting the points knocked off," O'Brian said.

More serious issues, such as a sick employee handling food or food being improperly stored, could carry heavier deductions. Other violations could include cleanliness problems involving floors, equipment or other areas of a business.

O'Brian said the proposal grew out of a request from a City Council member nearly a year ago for a more detailed inspection system.

If the council moves forward, the Health Department is recommending initially using the scoring system alongside the existing pass-fail process.

That trial period would give restaurant and convenience store operators time to learn how the system works, see what their scores would be, and receive guidance on correcting problems before the scoring system becomes the primary inspection method.

O'Brian said the transition could take roughly a year, although it could happen sooner.

"When you walk into the restaurant, you see their license usually behind the cash register," O'Brian said. "You'll also see this kind of report card then, right? Not a pass-fail, but just a report card on how they stack up."

The council is also considering an additional $25,000 agreement with the Downtown Joplin Alliance aimed at identifying endangered downtown buildings, working with property owners, and finding tenants or redevelopment opportunities.

"This is to really give them some additional funding of $25,000 to help push getting tenants in buildings and getting those buildings reclaimed as a good part of downtown," O'Brian said.

O'Brian said an increase in Missouri's historic preservation tax credit from 25% to 35% of eligible restoration costs could also make redevelopment projects more attractive to developers and property owners.

The Downtown Joplin Alliance is a separate organization from the city but receives city funding and reports its progress to the council.

The council will also consider a 2% increase in the city's animal services agreement with the Joplin Humane Society. O'Brian said the increase would bring the annual contract to $250,000.