JEFFERSON REVIEW
SUNDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
Thank you for spending part of your Sunday with The Jefferson Review. We are grateful you are here and choosing to stay informed about what is happening in Jefferson County. This edition is packed with the conversations and decisions shaping our community right now, from Byrnes Mill’s debate over utility easements and budget planning to a rare moment of unity among local mayors pushing back against state legislation they say threatens local control. You will also find a detailed look at a major Fox C 6 School District decision, direct insight from the Mayor of Arnold on proposed state bills, plus your full weather outlook, upcoming government meetings, and ways to earn rewards for helping grow local news.
The Jefferson Review Team
County Dispatch
Byrnes Mill City Council Weighs Utility Easement and Pushes Back on Annexation Bills
From utility easements and winter infrastructure repairs to early budget planning and growing resistance to state annexation bills, the Byrnes Mill City Council tackled a full agenda at its February meeting. City leaders questioned a proposed Ameren easement, praised public works crews, and joined other municipalities pushing back against legislation they say threatens local control. Here’s what happened and why it matters. READ HERE
Local Leaders Sound the Alarm Over State Bills Targeting City Authority
Jefferson County mayors aren’t mincing words. Two proposed state bills are drawing unified opposition from city leaders who say the legislation would strip local control, override voter approved taxes, and move key decisions away from the communities they affect. From annexation authority to millions in local revenue, officials warn the stakes are high, and the proposals were introduced without consulting the cities involved. Here’s why local leaders say these bills could permanently reshape how Jefferson County cities govern, grow, and pay for essential services. READ HERE
Fox C 6 Board Terminates Seckman High School Teacher After Policy Violations
The Fox C 6 Board of Education has voted to terminate a tenured Seckman High School social studies teacher following an investigation into policy violations involving technology use, staff conduct, and safety concerns. The decision came after a public termination hearing and months of administrative review. District officials say the case centered on policy enforcement and student safety rather than personal beliefs. READ HERE
Below are a few words from Bill Moritz, Mayor of Arnold, outlining concerns with SB 1344 and SB 1239
For SB 1344: Current state law authorizes St. Louis County alone to create a boundary commission. A boundary commission at the county level has the authority to approve or deny an annexation proposal by any political subdivision within that county.
SB 1344 would authorize Jefferson County to create a boundary commission. Such a commission would require all cities within Jefferson County to submit any and all proposals for annexation to the county for review. If the county would deny the proposal, the city has no recourse. The proposal would be killed. I did some checking into this and found out that the county is unhappy with cities possessing the authority to annex prime county land for their own use. If this bill passes, it will do nothing but widen the gap between the cities and Jefferson County government.
The mayors and city administrators from eight Jefferson County cities met in Crystal City on Monday this week to discuss our unanimous opposition to the idea of a boundary commission. We are preparing letters in which I will be asking Mary Elizabeth why this proposal was even made with no discussion with the affected cities and to voice our opposition to the bill.
Some of the officials will be joining Anthony and me in Jefferson City on the 17–18 February for the Missouri Municipal League Legislative Conference. We will be addressing the Missouri Municipal League, as well as Senator Coleman and Senator Mike Henderson and the House of Representative Members who represent Jefferson County about our opposition to this bill. Senator Henderson’s district covers part of southern Jefferson County. He is the chairman of the Senate Local Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee.
The good news is that there is no companion bill in the House, and the Senate bill still has not been assigned a hearing date.
SB 1239: Current law taxes retail sales of food, as defined in current law, at a rate of one percent. This act provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state sales taxes.
That first paragraph sounds pretty good. It gets painful locally when you look at the third paragraph.
This act also provides that, beginning on January 1, 2027, local sales taxes imposed on food shall annually be reduced in four equal increments over a period of four years. Beginning January 1, 2031, there shall be no local sales taxes imposed on food.
By August 2024, the last full year on which the record is released, Arnold’s revenue from all funds was $25.4 million. Approximately $4.5 million of that was from food sales. The Safety Proposition, passed by voters in April 2023, doubled the 1% sales tax which the city had operated on for years to benefit law enforcement.
$4.5 million is nearly 20% of that $25.4 million. If SB 1239 becomes law, Arnold would have to lay off 25–35% of its workforce, police included. Who really benefits from such a proposal?
The Missouri Department of Revenue website shows that ending the food sales tax would create a $1 billion annual hit to Missouri local governments.
The argument that this tax elimination proposal is being done to help lower income Missouri residents fails to acknowledge that SNAP and WIC benefits are already exempt from sales taxes by federal law, not Missouri law.
Bill Moritz
Weather Outlook
Jefferson County, Missouri • Sunday–Thursday
Sunday (Feb. 8)
Partly sunny and noticeably warmer.
High: 52° | Low: 29°
Monday (Feb. 9)
Warmer with plenty of sunshine.
High: 64° | Low: 42°
Tuesday (Feb. 10)
Warm with a blend of sun and clouds.
High: 66° | Low: 38°
Wednesday (Feb. 11)
Cooler with periods of clouds and sunshine.
High: 47° | Low: 35°
Thursday (Feb. 12)
Intervals of clouds and sunshine.
High: 49° | Low: 28°
Forecasts are subject to change. Monitor local alerts for updated conditions.
Government Meetings
Week of Monday, February 9 through Friday, February 13, 2026
Monday, February 9
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Jefferson County Council — Regular Meeting
6:30 p.m. • Administration Center Assembly Room, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050
More Information -
City of Festus — City Council Meeting
6:00 p.m. (please confirm time before arriving) • City Council Chambers, 711 W Main Street, Festus, MO 63028
More Information -
City of Herculaneum — Planning & Zoning Meeting
6:00 p.m. • City Hall, 1 Parkwood Ct., Herculaneum, MO 63048
Agenda pending/TBD
More Information