Palmyra police, school among those discussed for CARES Act funding

by Patty Cheffey

The Palmyra Police Department received CARES Act funds, while the Palmyra School District request was discussed.

The Marion County Commission approved several fund requests but also put several on hold until either more information can be gathered or until the second round of funding.

The Palmyra Police Department had requested $30,961.55 or 35 percent of its salaries and benefits for employees on the front lines for April 1 through July 15.

That amount was approved. However, a second request for salaries and benefits from August through December was turned down as being ineligible  since it was for funds being requested in advance. 

According to Sam Diffenderfer with Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, Police Chief Eddie Bogue indicated he would try to turn those in monthly.

While the Palmyra School District requests of $125,261.73 is eligible, Diffenderfer said, one receipt was illegible and two invoices did not appear to include the discounts.

The district’s request also incudes purchasing hot spots for students to use who do not have wi-fi connection.

Several other requests were also heard. Among those being approved were:

• Marion County Ambulance District, $40,265 and $20,405.12 or 5 percent of the requested amount for COVID hazard pay. 

• Douglass Community Center, $10,907;

• Hannibal Police Department, $10,000;

• St. John’s Lutheran School, $15,747.58;

• Hannibal Free Clinic, $24,411;

• Tin Pen Alley, $7,498.15;

• Hannibal Chamber of Commerce, $26,141.44;

• Hannibal Regional Healthcare, $19.084; and

• Hannibal School District, $182,000 of $519,000 requested.

Others being put on hold were requests from Monroe City R-I School District; Ralls County Public Water Supply and businesses in Hannibal.

In other business, the commissioners approved having Teya Stice, county improvement coordinator, issue a building request to Doug Williams even though he won’t meet the 80 feet setback requirements.

According to Stice, Williams tore down a house on the property several years ago with the understanding he would be allowed to rebuild on the site. Although it does not meet the 80 feet, and will sit back only about 30 feet, Stice noted the site is also about 15 feet higher than the road, and therefore there is no sight distance issue.

The commissioners also:

• approved the Code of Ethics policy;

• approved having 150 copies of the new plat book printed; and

• learned there would be a planning and zoning meeting Thursday evening to hear two separate issues.