Marion County Commission Backs Highway 61 Plan, Reviews Solar Project Concerns at September Meeting
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PALMYRA, Mo. — The Marion County Commission tackled a full agenda during its regular meeting Monday, September 8, 2025, at the courthouse in Palmyra. Topics ranged from approving routine claims and tax rates to endorsing a regional transportation development district for the long-discussed Hannibal Expressway and grappling with how to regulate large-scale solar energy projects.
Routine Approvals and Claims
Commissioners J. David Lomax (presiding), Larry Welch (Eastern District), and Lacey Miller (Western District), with County Clerk Marla Meyers, approved multiple standard items. Payroll for August 17–30, the August Collector’s Report, and additions and releases to the tax books were cleared.
The commission also approved a series of liquor licenses—including short-term permits for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2446 and The Rebel Pig LLC—and annual licenses for Finns Food & Spirits Inc. Fees collected in December 2024 across various offices were also reported, including $17,336.25 from the Sheriff’s Office, $14,233.99 from the Recorder, and $11,260.79 from the Public Administrator.
Highway 61 Expressway Gains County Support
One of the most significant moves came when the Commission voted unanimously to support creation of a Transportation Development District (TDD) for the proposed Hannibal Expressway — a long-anticipated project intended to ease congestion and improve safety along the busy Highway 61 corridor.
Maria Kuhns, Executive Director of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council and Hannibal Regional Port Authority, presented information about the proposed TDD. She outlined how the district would allow Marion County and neighboring Ralls County to jointly fund, promote, plan, design, construct, improve, maintain, and operate transportation projects related to the expressway.
The Commission heard that the Missouri Department of Transportation updated the environmental study in 2022 and that the expressway’s development would still require voter approval. Under the proposal, a transportation development district sales tax of up to one half of one percent (0.5%) could be imposed for up to 25 years on retail sales within the district, but only if qualified voters within the district approve the measure.
By signing the resolution, Marion County positions itself to work alongside Ralls County and other stakeholders to advance the project. County officials emphasized that the public will ultimately decide whether the sales tax is enacted, and that public engagement will be a key step before any construction can begin.
Bids Accepted for Trustee-Held Properties
The City of Hannibal placed token $1 bids for five trustee-held properties within city limits, including parcels at 711 Walnut, 1623 Grace, 1912–1914 Gordon, 1213 Church, and 2515 Hope. Commissioners unanimously awarded the bids to the city, potentially paving the way for redevelopment or cleanup of long-held parcels.
Solar Ordinance Sparks Heated Discussion
One of the lengthiest debates centered on a proposed solar ordinance. Resident Susan Gard shared insights from Lee County, Iowa, which recently confronted similar issues. She outlined a proposed facility that would integrate solar power, water electrolysis, and anhydrous ammonia production using local pipelines and the Mississippi River for transportation.
Gard said GoSolar, the company interested in Marion County, had helped write Lee County’s ordinance and suggested the commission consider that model. She argued Marion County should not dismiss the opportunity simply because it involves solar power, noting potential for jobs, housing growth, and expanded tax bases.
However, Commissioner Miller expressed strong reservations about relying on an ordinance crafted with heavy industry input. She recounted conversations with Lee County officials who alleged that GoSolar and its principal, Mr. Baier, are speculative players with plans to sell off facilities once they are operational. Miller worried about promises made to fertilizer plants that reportedly had no direct contact with Baier.
“It’s a little like letting the fox in the hen house,” Miller said, emphasizing the need for independent regulations and a robust permitting process. Commissioner Welch echoed those concerns, questioning GoSolar’s financial ability to complete such an ambitious project and suggesting the county request a financial statement.
Gard recommended first consulting fertilizer industry stakeholders, while Miller plans to continue discussions with Lee County officials. Both agreed more public input and a clear ordinance are needed before moving forward.
2025 Tax Rates Approved
Commissioners adopted the 2025 tax rates for both the General Revenue Fund and the Road and Bridge Fund following a scheduled public hearing.
County Coordinator Report: Bridge Work
and Energy Grant
County Coordinator Teya Stice provided a progress update on key infrastructure and grant projects. Work on Whitaker Bridge is 20% complete, with 22% of contract time used so far. She also sought and received approval to solicit a quote from Keck to replace a third valve before switching units over to heat.
Stice informed the commission that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has executed a Financial Assistance Agreement for the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program (Marion County EECBG Project). The agreement, effective August 27, 2025, now allows the county to set up its federal reporting profile, though groundbreaking must wait 45 days after the profile is established.
Additionally, Stice reported applying for an Emergency Management Performance Grant to cover half the salary of Emergency Director John Harks and updated commissioners on electrical work planned for county facilities.
Highway Department Update
Highway Supervisor Mike Schaeffer reported blacktopping work is progressing well and requested permission to begin replacing an upcoming vacancy caused by Ben West’s pending retirement. Commissioners approved the request, allowing Schaeffer to start recruiting for a new hire.
Financial Overview
County Clerk Marla Meyers reported fund and sales tax balances for August were slightly down compared to previous months, though the local use tax was up. The commission will continue to monitor revenue trends.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned with the next session scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
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