Missouri § 49.500 - County contracts to be inquired into on petition.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 49.500 — County contracts to be inquired into on petition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49.500. County contracts to be inquired into on petition.
Whenever any fifty resident, solvent and responsible taxpaying citizens of any county in the state shall have good reason to believe, and do believe, that any contract made and entered into by the county commission, with any person or corporation, affecting or concerning any public building, lands, moneys or property of the county in any manner whatever, or any extension of any such contract, was not made and entered into in good faith, or for a just consideration, and with due regard for the best interest of the county, or that any such contract previously entered into has not been carried out by the parties thereto in good faith and according to the terms of any such contract, they may bring a suit in the circuit court of any such county, praying that the matter may be inquired into, and thereupon the circuit court shall make a full investigation of the matters alleged, and shall have power to set aside, reform or cause to be enforced any such contract, or any extension of any such contract, as the court shall deem best under the law and the facts. Should the petitioners fail to sustain their petition, they shall pay the costs; and all such proceedings shall be governed by the law relating to civil practice in circuit courts. The said petition shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of said county; and thereafter the death, removal or disability of any one or more of such petitioners or plaintiffs shall not abate or affect the said suit.
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(RSMo 1939 § 13769, A.L. 1983 S.B. 219)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 12110; 1919 § 9508; 1909 § 3729
Effective 1-01-85
(1955) The remedy provided by this section is not exclusive and does not take away the common law right of taxpayers to enjoin illegal expenditures of public money. Everett v. County of Clinton (Mo.), 282 S.W.2d 30.
---- end of effective 01 Jan 1985 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 49.500
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 49.500 cover?
Section 49.500 ("County contracts to be inquired into on petition.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 49.500?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 49.500" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 49.500 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.