City of Hannibal Budget Tops $22 Million

Finance Director Doug Warren projects 2015-16 revenues for the City of Hannibal  to be $22,601,000; total expenditures $22,807,000.

Warren revealed the figures at a public hearing Tuesday evening. Warren says spending slightly outpaced revenues mainly due to Parks and Rec projects which will be covered by reserves. Two main sources of revenue--sales and property taxes—were planned conservatively to increase by 1 to 2 percent. City employees will get a 2% raise. The city has 141 employees, identical to last year. The 2 budget bills received a First Reading during the regular council session.

In other business, the former Fette Orchard property on Palmyra Road sparked much discussion. Over 70 residential lots are expected to be developed on the 53 acre tract. Developer Brad Peters expressed concerns over city codes regarding storm water management. The council gave First Reading to a Bill establishing the subdivision, with the agreement that the engineering issues be worked out before the Bill comes back for a Final Reading.

Rezoning of a parcel of land on the western portion of Palmyra Road cleared one hurdle Tuesday evening. The council gave First Reading to a Bill rezoning a 4.5 acre tract  located near the Quail Ridge Subdivision and the NECAC Office. Preferred Family Healthcare, Inc. is proposing the land be rezoned from Commercial to Multiple Family in order to build an apartment complex.

Tourism also made the council agenda. Hannibal Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director Gail Bryant and Mayor Hark presented representatives of the Loafer's Car Club with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Loafers recently celebrated 20 years of car cruises and shows in Hannibal. Bryant said the Loafers have enhanced tourism by attracting a lot of car enthusiasts to the semi-annual events. Bryant also received council approval to accept a $45,000 tourism matching grant from the Missouri Division of Tourism. The money will assist with advertising in leisure travel markets.

The council also approved bids for:

• Random drug and alcohol testing services to be performed by the low bidder, Hannibal Clinic.  Each DOT drug test will cost  $30.  Non-DOT and alcohol tests will run $20.   The contract will be for 3 years.
• Street Department materials including fuel, aggregates, salt, calcium chloride, and concrete.  Street Department Superintendent Rich Dauma advised the council he was denying the bid for asphalt from the lone bidder Diamond Construction.  Dauma said Diamond's prices increased by $11 a ton which was excessive.  Dauma said bids are going to be reopened later this month and he is hopeful more competitive bids will come in.