July 25, 2005
By DANNY HENLEY
Of the Courier-Post
The Marion County Emergency Services Board recently settled on a firm to design Marion County’s new 911 communications center. What it hasn’t decided on is where to locate the building.
“We have been looking around for over a year and still have not found the right location,” said Mike Hall, Marion County 911 director, in a press release. “We have identified several good possibilities and hope to be making a decision within the next few weeks.”
Currently located in the basement of the Hannibal Police Department, the county’s next 911 communications center could be located outside of Hannibal.
“There are distinct advantages to being in town. There are also disadvantages to being right in town,” explained Hall. “If we had 10 acres given us 15 miles west of town, we’d consider it.”
One of the big drawbacks to staying in Hannibal is the cost of real estate.
“We want to stay as close to Hannibal as possible, but the cost for land in Hannibal is so high,” said Hall. “Finding something in town would be the best solution. We’ve located various places that would work for us. We need at least three acres. Some people are wanting $35,000 to $40,000 per acre. We can’t justify spending $150,000 for dirt.”
Consideration has been given to finding a location somewhere between Hannibal and Palmyra along U.S. 61.
“One of the biggest obstacles is the airport and locating our tower,” said Hall.
There is a potential upside to going outside of Hannibal.
“Farmland is considerably cheaper,” said Hall, adding that the cost of needed infrastructure outside the city could offset those land cost savings in some instances.
Recently the Marion County Emergency Services Board was approached about the possible availability of property within the city limits of Hannibal at either no cost, or for a very reduced fee.
“There are a couple of drawbacks, but there’s no perfect place,” said Hall, who declined to offer any more specifics regarding the location of the land. “If it’s free land, we’ll work with some of the down sides.”
Finding a home of its own has been a long-standing aspiration of the Marion County Emergency Services Board, according to Hall.
“That’s been a goal of the board’s virtually since Day One that we’re now struggling to achieve,” he said. “It’s an obvious need now. We just need more space.”
Despite the year-long search, Hall and the board have remained patient.
“Nothing obvious has landed in our lap,” said Hall.
While it is hoped that the site search will conclude soon, Hall is quick to add that it’s not too late for someone to step forward with land for sale.
“We’re still open to possibilities. Nothing will be overlooked. If someone has property available we want them to call us,” he said.