The Henry County Commission convened for its regular session at the courthouse in Clinton on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with Presiding Commissioner Jim Stone, North District Commissioner Mark Larson, South District Commissioner Jake Bradley, and County Clerk Kelly Marriott present.
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Following this, expenditures were approved across several county departments, including General County Government, Road and Bridge, Emergency Management, and Law Enforcement.
A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to concerns raised by Honey Creek Township resident Jim Powell, who expressed frustration over flooding caused by a culvert and dam installed by another landowner, Jake Townsfield. Powell explained that the altered water flow is affecting him and at least 26 other nearby residents. Emergency Management Director Mark Hardin explained that because the structure predates the county’s flood ordinance, passed in December 2012, state authorities have indicated the matter must be settled as a civil issue in court. Commissioner Larson agreed to contact the Missouri Department of Conservation to explore any potential environmental concerns.
Hardin also reported that despite Henry County meeting its individual disaster threshold, the State of Missouri did not, meaning the county will not receive state-level disaster designation following recent storm damage.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Dennis Bowers provided an update on the county’s road inventory, stating discrepancies were found in the records received from the state. He plans to work with MoDOT to resolve the inaccuracies over the coming weeks. Bowers also voiced concerns about deteriorating culverts in multiple townships, some of which are marked but remain unaddressed due to reported lack of funds. He proposed that the county begin issuing notices to townships, with the intent to complete critical repairs and bill the townships if necessary. Commissioner Larson requested a list of affected roads, and Bowers noted that Big Creek Township alone has 36 culverts in need of repair.
In other road business, the commission discussed a jurisdictional question from Bear Creek Township about a county-line road and a separate call about Road 701 in Davis Township. Commissioner Bradley said he would follow up with MoDOT.
Later in the session, Assessor Scott Largent and Collector/Treasurer Rick Watson joined the meeting to review the draft of the new senior property tax credit ordinance (SB 190). The commission approved Henry County Ordinance No. 2025-0529, establishing a property tax freeze for eligible senior citizens. The measure passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The meeting adjourned at 10:53 a.m.
