Marionville aldermen adopt 2026 budget, multiple policies and park payout increase; reject court move to Aurora

Marionville Mayor Blankenship and the Board of Aldermen met Feb. 12 and approved a set of budget and policy measures that city officials said are intended to support public safety, procurement controls and park improvements.

The board adopted Resolution 03-2026R to approve the city's 2026 budget after a motion by Alderman Bliss and a second from Alderman Motley. Alderman Bliss also led passage of a credit card policy that sets a $2,500 monthly spending limit, and Alderman Bliss moved (seconded by Alderman Urschel) to adopt a new fuel card policy that adds a category for "Misc Cards." The board approved Resolution 02-2026R to amend a sign-on bonus for the Police Department.

Why it matters: The budget and the new card policies set the city's spending priorities and internal controls for the year; the sign-on bonus is intended to assist police recruitment. Chief Webb reported 131 calls for service in January and introduced two new officers, Dan Williams and Amber Brooks, noting Marionville is not yet ready for 24-hour coverage.

Other approvals included a contract ordinance (Ordinance 2026-01) authorizing the Public Works Manager to execute a Traffic Engineering Assistance Program agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, and a city payout increase of up to $4,900 for the Logan Park project to cover price increases since the grant began in 2023. Kris Bowling said grant funds he received may be used to buy an emergency EV plug, a thermal-imaging camera, recycling totes, a pallet jack and signs; the board authorized those purchases.

Aldermen also accepted the Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve a lot split (Ordinance 2026-02) for property at 615 W. Washington and authorized purchase of eight flags for the city's 250th celebration, with flags estimated to cost between $48 and $125 each.

A notable defeat: Mayor Blankenship presented a sample contract for moving Marionville Court to Aurora and noted the city's legal review. Alderman Motley moved to proceed with the court relocation and Alderman Bliss seconded, but the motion failed on a roll-call vote in which five members voted no. Council discussion included questions about file storage and costs related to transferring records to Lawrence County Court.

Citizen comments and personnel notes: Local resident David Feitl said he purchased the "Casita's" building and is soliciting ideas for businesses including a laundromat, fitness center and grocery store. Alice Avina proposed Marionville High School build and place nests for the city's white squirrels. Deonne Heald said she was upset that 2026 raises "did not pass" for city employees; Mayor Blankenship replied that the January vote had met the majority threshold and had in fact passed.

What comes next: City Clerk Bliss announced the March council meeting will be moved to March 19 due to staff training. The board considered going into closed session under RSMo 610.020 but determined one was not necessary.

Votes at a glance - Approve order of agenda: Motion by Alderman Motley; second Alderman Urschel; recorded yes votes: Aldermen Bliss, Motley, Urschel, Brenner (motion passed). - Approve minutes (Jan. 15, 2026): Motion by Alderman Motley; second Alderman Brenner; recorded yes votes: Brenner, Urschel, Motley, Bliss (motion passed). - Approve payment of bills, adjustments, bank recs and cash reports: Motion by Alderman Brenner; second Alderman Motley; recorded yes votes: Urschel, Motley, Bliss, Brenner (motion passed). - Ordinance 2026-01 (Traffic Engineering Assistance Program contract): Motion by Alderman Motley; second Alderman Bliss; roll-call vote recorded all five yes (passed). - Fuel card policy (add Misc Cards): Motion by Alderman Bliss; second Alderman Urschel; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Credit card policy ($2,500 monthly limit): Motion by Alderman Bliss; second Alderman Motley; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Resolution 02-2026R (Police sign-on bonus amendment): Motion by Alderman Brenner; second Alderman Bliss; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Resolution 03-2026R (2026 budget): Motion by Alderman Bliss; second Alderman Motley; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Logan Park payout increase (up to $4,900): Motion by Alderman Urschel; second Alderman Motley; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Motion to move Marionville Court to Aurora: Motion by Alderman Motley; second Alderman Bliss; roll-call vote recorded five no (failed). - Grant-funded purchases authorized (EV plug, thermal camera, recycling totes, pallet jack, signs): Motion by Alderman Brenner; second Alderman Motley; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Ordinance 2026-02 (Lot split at 615 W Washington): Motion by Alderman Bliss; second Alderman Motley; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed). - Purchase of eight 250th celebration flags (estimated $48—$125 each): Motion by Alderman Urschel; second Alderman Brenner; roll-call vote recorded five yes (passed).

The board adjourned after aldermanic and mayoral comments.