County reaching end of first round of ARPA funding

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by Patty Cheffey

In reviewing ARPA funds Monday morning, the Marion County Commission learned they may have already spent or set aside the first amount allocated by the federal government.

The ARPA funds were among several items discussed during Monday’s commission meeting, at which they also approved a bid, approved a trustee sale bid, approved two budgeted items be paid; and discussed a planning and zoning issue.

Ashley Long, who is working with the county through the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, reviewed the two water projects, Ralls County Water District, and the Clarence Cannon water project at Monroe City before the commissioners took stock of what funds they have either already spent or have verbally approved.

Without a definite amount of how much is left, the commissioners tabled any requests.

Not only does that include the two water projects, but also any requests from daycares.

Long did inform the county new rules mean they have to follow regular procurement policy for broadband, but the county has already approved Chariton Valley without going out to bid.

However, since other internet providers were contacted, Long said she thought the county would be okay.

The commissioners also approved a new regulation for their own application process, making it necessary for businesses to show proof of loss when they submit their application or that application won’t be considered.

In other business, the commissioners approved the lone bid from Scotswood Industries out of Overland Park, Kan. for dust control.

The bid was for $1.09 a gallon delivered and applied, which Mike Schaefer, county highway supervisor, said is slightly higher than last year. However, he noted, that was to be expected.

The commissioners also approved a bid of $500 for a trustee-held property at 1734 Martin St. in Hannibal.

In addition, the county approved paying the Hannibal Nutrition Center, $6,250 and the Monroe City Nutrition Center, $2,250 as set aside in the budget.

Charles Webster and Susan Gard were present to explain to the commissioners they had been requested by other members of the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission to ask the commission to vote on the recommendation they had already provided on Matt Courtney’s rezoning request for the paintball field.

“If it needs to come back to us at a later date, that’s fine, but we want a commission vote on our original recommendation before we go any further,” Webster said.

The commission informed him the issue is on next week’s meeting agenda. 

In her report, Teya Stice, county land improvement coordinator, reported Homebank is no longer interested in leasing the flood buyout property next to their bank in West Quincy, since a road has now been built on it leading to the auto auction business behind that property.

However, she said, the owner, David Allen, is interested in leasing it at the $100 for 10 year amount the bank was paying. The commissioners approved that lease.

Stice also reported:

• she had met with Jim Bensman and Cliff Hudelson concerning the utility location for the new storage building;

• she and Ruth Ann Wright had attended MERC training last week and found it beneficial; and

• work continues on the 402 bridge replacement although high water is making it difficult.

The county also approved writing a letter of support for the Port Authority’s request for a grant.