Commission Discusses Tax Compromise, Data Center Moratorium, Paris Gravel Road Ordinance

PALMYRA — Marion County commissioners handled a series of property tax, road, election and county operations issues during meetings held May 4, May 11 and May 18. At the May 4 meeting, Randy Park asked the commission to consider a compromise on about $70,000 in back taxes on a property in Hannibal. Park told commissioners the taxes far exceed the value of the property and said the building cannot be occupied without a sprinkler system, which he estimated would cost about $1.3 million.

Park said he had a potential buyer willing to purchase the building for $10,000 if the back taxes could be negotiated. He asked the county to consider accepting between $10,000 and $15,000 to allow the property to move forward.

Commissioners discussed the issue with Park and County Assessor Mark Novak. Commissioner Lacey Miller said she would like to see the property back on the tax rolls.

The commission approved allowing Park three months, until Aug. 4, to negotiate a $35,000 back-tax amount with the buyer. If Park presents a sales contract that satisfies the bank and the $35,000 tax amount, the county will issue a certificate of redemption so the back taxes can be collected and the property released at closing.

Commissioners also discussed Senate Bill 3, which passed on the April ballot but remains tied up in court. Miller said the county should be prepared if the measure survives legal challenges and suggested a simpler process using assessment forms rather than a separate application process. No final decision was made.

Also May 4, commissioners met by Zoom with representatives of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council about April election costs related to Proposition 61. Commissioner Larry Welch said he did not believe the county should help pay the election cost, noting the county already provides HREDC $20,000 annually. The commission voted not to help with the cost. Presiding Commissioner J. David Lomax abstained because he serves on the HREDC board.

At the May 11 meeting, commissioners agreed to move forward with drafting a datacenter moratorium to give the county time to develop policies. Commissioners also discussed a proposed ordinance for Paris Gravel Road. Miller suggested prohibiting commercial vehicles on the road, with an agricultural exemption, and lowering the speed limit from 45 mph to 35mph. The commission agreed to send the proposal to legal counsel for drafting.

Commissioners also agreed to wait before initiating the SB3 credit until the matter is settled in court. County Coordinator Teya Stice reported that Larry Johnson and Chris Hemm received $1,725.95 for scrap metal taken to recycling. The commission agreed to deposit the money back into the Capital Improvements Fund.

Stice also reported she had contacted AT&T about removing a curb island from a parking lot, but was told the project would not be completed in 2026.

County Clerk Marla Meyers presented May sales and use tax revenues and fund balances. The minutes state the county’s fund balances and sales and use tax revenues remain healthy, and officials will continue monitoring both. The commission also accepted the April 7 election results for Proposition 61, which asked voters whether to create the Hannibal Expressway Transportation Development District. The measure failed in Marion County, with 1,939 yes votes and 3,551 no votes.

At the May 18 meeting, commissioners approved payroll for April 26 through May 9 and accepted April fees from several county offices, including $25,625.46 from the sheriff’s office, $11,725.99 from the recorder, $8,021.82 from the public administrator and other amounts from the prosecutor, circuit clerk and county clerk offices.

Commissioners approved several liquor licenses for the July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, licensing period, including licenses for CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General stores, Mark Twain Amoco, VFW Post 2446, Dirt Cheap, Family Dollar and Quick Stop 11.

Stice reported that a LEPD meeting was scheduled in Hannibal, with the director of MERC expected to attend, and that the Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled to meet May 21. She also said Poole Communications had completed PFDs and posted them to the county website.

Stice told commissioners two boilers are expected to arrive and will need to be brought through the assessor’s office. Because a door in that office already needed to be replaced, she recommended replacing it when the boilers are moved.

Commissioners approved a $4,900 bid from American Glass for the door and paint. Welch abstained from the vote.

The commission also approved Commission Order No. 316-051826, transferring $625,000 from the Capital Improvements Fund to the General Revenue Fund for law enforcement.

Commissioners adjourned until Monday, June 1.