February 9, 2006
Opinion Section
Hannnibal Courier-Post

Patience has paid off for the Marion County Emergency Services Board, which recently approved the purchase of land for a new 911 center.

Housed in the basement of the Hannibal Police Department building, the communications center has outgrown its home. Last year, the board signed up an architectural firm for the plans for a new center, but finding a site was a little more difficult.

Wanting to stay within Hannibal was a consideration, but so was having enough room and staying within a budget. Several sites were identified, but the board proceeded cautiously, waiting for the right site at the right price.

That came when Mary Lou Callicot agreed to sell 17.66 acres of undeveloped land for $115,000. It is located on the northern edge of Hannibal on U.S. 61 next to the J. Thad Ray Memorial Wildlife Area.

One worry with the Callicot property was purchasing too much land. However, the board was able to purchase more than 17 acres for the price some wanted for a few acres. Also, while not in the real estate business, we believe it is important to have a little extra land available for future needs. We don’t know what the future holds, but having the land to house those changes could be essential.

We applaud the Marion County Emergency Services board for its patience in waiting to act until it found the right property. Now it can proceed with its goal of establishing its own home, one that will serve our community for many years to come.