Marion County Commission Approves Liquor Licenses, Discusses Truck Wash Construction

Palmyra, MO–The Marion County Commission convened on Monday, April
27, 2026, at the County Courthouse in Palmyra with Presiding Commissioner J. David Lomax, Eastern District Commissioner Larry Welch, and Western District Commissioner Lacey Miller in attendance. The meeting
addressed several key matters, including liquor license approvals, the potential construction of a truck wash, and updates on county activities.
Liquor License Approvals
The Commission approved liquor licenses for several businesses for the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
The approved businesses and their respective fees include:
Casey’s Marketing Company (Store #2206) – $612.00
Walmart Stores East I LP (Walmart Supercenter #609) – $306.00
Palmyra Operation LLC (New Start Mart) – $306.00
Ayers Oil Company Inc. (Ayerco Convenience Center #44, #33, #25, #24, #22) – $306.00 each.
Truck Wash Proposal
During the meeting, Michael Phillips presented plans to build a truck wash on County Road 426. He explained that the facility would primarily be used to wash his own trucks, which are used for hauling pigs. Phillips clarified that the truck wash would not be open to the public and would include a maintenance shop for his fleet. The building would feature three wash bays
with drainage into settling tanks. Phillips assured the Commission that the waste would be minimal, as the trucks would be swept out before entering the wash. The water would be filtered and then applied to farm ground by the Keller Farms, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
While Phillips initially believed the project was in compliance with agricultural zoning, Commissioner Welch suggested the project might qualify more as a commercial venture than an agricultural one. Both Welch and Planning and Zoning Chairman Susan Gard agreed that Phillips would need to go through the rezoning process before proceeding. Marion County
Coordinator Teya Stice encouraged Phillips to begin the paperwork for rezoning immediately. Commissioner Miller expressed support for the project, noting the potential job creation it could bring to the community.
County Coordinator Report
Teya Stice provided an update on the County’s activities, including the
completion of the 2025 ARPA report. She also announced that Marion County would host a Floodplain Management Substantial Damage Webinar
at the VFW on July 23, 2026.
Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council Election Costs
The Commission discussed the election costs associated with Proposition 61, which appeared on the April 7, 2026 ballot. The Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council (HREDC) had requested Marion County
share the cost of putting the proposition on the ballot. While Commissioner
Miller questioned whether the cost had already been covered, Commissioner Welch expressed concerns about the burden on local taxpayers and suggested that funds allocated to the Economic Development Council may have been used for the purpose. The Commission decided to table the matter until the next meeting on May 4, 2026.
The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for Monday, May 4 2026, at 9:30 a.m.