Marion County Moves Forward with New Office Space in Hannibal
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Commissioners Approve Building Purchase, Address Infrastructure and Community Projects
PALMYRA, Mo. – The Marion County Commission has taken a significant step toward expanding county office space, approving the purchase of a building at 800 Broadway in Hannibal. The newly acquired space will house the Public Defender’s Office, with additional office areas available as needed.
Commissioners Larry Welch and Lacey Miller voted in favor of the purchase at their February 24 meeting, finalizing the acquisition. At the March 3 session, officials discussed renovation needs, including setting up internet and security services, which are expected to take 120 days. Commissioner Welch emphasized the long-term benefits of the investment, while Commissioner Miller suggested exploring grant opportunities to assist with renovations.
Key County Infrastructure and Community Projects
Beyond the office expansion, the commission addressed several other county matters, ranging from infrastructure improvements to public services.
Whitaker Bridge Inspection Moves Forward
The Whitaker Bridge project took a step forward with the approval of a $47,997.74 contract for inspection services by Great River Engineering. The commission plans to monitor bidding opportunities for the bridge’s next phase.
County Budget and Payroll Approval
The commission approved payroll expenses for county employees covering the period February 2 – February 15, 2025. Additionally, a $250,000 transfer from the ARPA Fund to the county’s medical deductible account was unanimously approved on February 24.
Douglass Community Services Project Wraps Up
County officials held a public hearing to close out the Douglass Community Services project, which involved the demolition and asbestos abatement of a building at 711 Grand Avenue in Hannibal. A new facility was constructed for the nonprofit organization, complete with a new parking lot. Representatives from Douglass Community Services expressed appreciation for the county’s support.
County Coordinator Updates
County Coordinator Teya Stice provided multiple updates across the sessions:
Courthouse Maintenance: Repairs were scheduled for the backflow valves on courthouse boilers, and new carpet and vinyl flooring was installed in the jury room and courtroom bathrooms.
License Office Move-Out Deadline: A lingering issue with the former Palmyra License Office operator, Joe Smith, was addressed. Smith, who has been ill since Labor Day 2024, was informed that he must remove his belongings by March 7, or they would be disposed of.
Springtime Spruce Up Grant: The county plans to apply for a $2,000 grant to remove an Ash tree and trim other trees on the courthouse lawn.
Website Overhaul: Plans to redesign the county website were discussed, with a goal of launching the updated version by the end of May 2025.
Commission Tours New Office Space
On March 5, county officials toured the newly acquired building at 800 Broadway to assess its potential. Participants included the three commissioners, County Clerk Marla Meyers, County Coordinator Teya Stice, Highway Supervisor Mike Schaefer, and Maintenance Supervisor Larry Johnson.
Proclamation for “Thank a Farmer Week”
At the March 5 meeting, the commission recognized “Thank a Farmer Week” (March 2-8, 2025), an initiative by the Missouri Farm Bureau. County Farm Bureau President Jessy Shoemaker presented a proclamation honoring the contributions of local farmers.
Looking Ahead
The Marion County Commission is scheduled to reconvene on March 10, 2025, where discussions will continue on office renovations, infrastructure projects, and county-wide improvements.
