County considers bridge funds from soybean group

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by Patty Cheffey

Marion County is looking into possible funding from the Missouri Soybean Association to build a county bridge.

The funds were discussed during Monday’s meeting, at which the commissioners also heard an update on their current bridge work, heard an supplement insurance presentation and learned of a possible zoning issue.

Mike Schaefer, county highway supervisor, said he had met with Tim Gottman concerning the bridge funding, noting Gottman told him they would like the county to have the money if they can use it.

There are several stipulations to the funding, which would amount to $12,500, including the county would have to use one of the pre-engineered bridges and the work must be documented as it goes along.

He noted several bridges which could be replaced using that money for part of the total cost.

Schaefer also noted he would try to get the most recent bridge inspection list from MoDOT.

While nothing was decided, the county said they would be looking further into it.

One place it cannot be used is on the two bridges on which the county is already working.

Teya Stice, county improvement coordinator, reported several steps, including the surveys and geotectonicals have been done on those projects, and site plans will be worked on next.

In her report, Stice also said Jerry Gottman, who owns property along Route MM in Hannibal, is wanting to rezoning the 2.2 acres to commercial, and she had assigned it as C-2 because of its location.

The land formerly held Gottman’s home, which was destroyed by fire. It is also currently surrounded by Hannibal city property, even though his is in the county.

If he gets all of the necessary information, the rezoning request will be heard on June 8, Stice said.

Dominique Sherrod and Mark Hoerr with Family Heritage were present to discuss that supplemental insurance benefit for county employees with the commission.

The non-payroll deduction plan is paid directly by the employees and create no additional work for the county, Sherrod said.

Referencing a negative issue he had with a different company, Western District Commissioner Steve Begley said he was not in favor of the plan.

The proposal was tabled until open enrollment time.

County Clerk Marla Meyers presented sales tax and fund balances for the county, noting tax collection was up for May 2023, compared to May 2022.

The General Revenue Fund collected $193,465.14 in 2023, compared to $182,264.96 in May 2022.

Capital Improvement and Road Fund were also up, as was Local Use, which shows $81,469.03 in May 2023, compared to $72,540.98 in May 2022.

Fund balances are also in good shape, Meyers said.

The commissioners also:

• approved the sale of three trustee-held properties in Hannibal, 326 Buchanan, 1908-1910 Spruce and 2209 Gordon, for $100 each plus recording fees;

• learned a 23 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department had resigned as he is moving out of the area; 

•signed a letter of support for NECAC’s application for a Housing Preservation Grant;

• asked Stice to check to see if Patriot Painting can do repair work on some of the windows in the courthouse; and

• requested some county officials to be at next week’s commission meeting to discuss discontinuing the Culligan water service.