Jefferson County Council Meeting Features Zoning Tie-Breaker, Housing Concerns, and County Tax Updates

A divided vote on a zoning request required County Executive Dennis Gannon to break a tie, while public comment focused on housing instability and services for residents in need.

By The Jefferson Review

The Jefferson County Council’s Monday, June 22 meeting featured a rare tie-breaking vote from County Executive Dennis Gannon, public comment over a proposed RV park and growing housing needs, and updates on county sales tax revenue, cannabis tax refunds, property assessments, and work at the James Hardie site.

The most notable action of the evening came during consideration of Resolution R26-0636, a resolution denying application PB26-0008, a request involving a zone change and development plan for property on Cedar Road in Council District Three.

Earlier in the meeting, several residents spoke in support of the project, which speakers referred to as an RV park. Phil Wydell of Arnold said he was in favor of the RV park. Barbara Bossert and Henry Bossert, both of Arnold, also spoke in support.

When the resolution came up for a vote, the council initially split 3-3, with one abstention. That led to a pause while county officials reviewed how to handle the tie and whether the county executive could vote. After discussion over procedure, the council voted to reconsider the matter, then took the vote again.

The second vote again resulted in three yes votes, three no votes, and one abstention. Gannon then voted yes, supporting the denial. The final result was recorded as four yes, three no, and one abstention, and Resolution R26-0636 was adopted.

The procedural moment briefly slowed the meeting as officials worked through the voting system and clarified whether an abstention counted toward the outcome. Gannon said he would vote in favor of the denial, noting that his vote would break the tie.

Public comment also brought attention to residents facing housing instability and the limited services available in Jefferson County.

Karen kostich, project director of The James 2 Project, gave council members an update on outreach efforts in Festus, Arnold, and High Ridge. She said the Festus location recently held a community outreach day with 35 people coming through, with several local organizations participating, including the Jefferson County Health Department, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, St. Patrick Center, and others.

Kostich said housing needs are increasing at the Arnold meal site and described several recent cases, including elderly residents, people coming from domestic violence situations, and a young man who had aged out of the foster system and was living in a tent near the High Ridge library.

She told the council that many of the people being helped are longtime Jefferson County residents.

Kostich said the county lacks several key services for people in crisis, including detox, treatment, mental health options, and shelters. She said the need is no longer limited to one area.

Tara Lane, who said she works as a community health navigator, also addressed the council about housing affordability, people without stable housing, and access to essential services. She called for proactive leadership, collaboration, and creative solutions that include workforce development, mental health and substance use services, case management, life skills training, health care, child care, and transportation.

In his report, Gannon said the county has had two entities request refunds of cannabis tax revenue after court rulings came down in their favor. He said those funds would be returned to the requesting businesses over the next six months.

Gannon also reported that the county’s sales tax revenue for the month was $72,000 ahead of last month. Year to date, he said the county is $257,000 ahead, or about 3.3 percent. He said the county would continue to monitor revenue closely and avoid spending money unless funds are available.

The county executive also told council members that the council office would be short-staffed by one person for an undefined period of time, with other staff members sharing duties and cross-training to help cover phone calls and office responsibilities.

Gannon said significant progress is being made at the James Hardie site, specifically noting the bridge approach connecting Castle Acres and Cowan Turn Road. He said the work is “really looking good,” though he advised council members not to go to the site and said drone photos would be shared when available.

He also addressed concerns previously raised about real estate assessment numbers. Gannon said the county has engaged CliftonLarsonAllen to review the status of the specific assessments and how state statutes affect the county’s ability to receive the money. He said that work should be completed by September, when the county will need to make decisions related to next year’s assessments.

The council also approved Resolution R26-0637, which corrected erroneous assessments or mistakes or defects in descriptions of land assessment or tax records for certain real property in Jefferson County. That resolution passed 7-0.

Two bills also moved through the process and received final passage.

Bill 26-06157 approved application PB26-0012 to rezone a parcel in Council District Two from non-planned commercial CC-2 to single-family residential R-10. The bill passed 7-0.

Bill 26-06158 amended the 2026 budget to reflect the receipt of additional revenue not previously estimated or anticipated, with the money appropriated for the Sheriff’s Division for payroll and benefits from FY2023 JAG Drug Task Force funding. That bill also passed 7-0.

The council also voted to accept and place on file the Jefferson County Treasurer’s monthly settlement and financial report for April 2026.

During council member comments, several members highlighted local events and community updates. Councilman Billy Crow discussed a neighborhood group working to restart a defunct HOA and encouraged residents in similar situations to contact their council members and work through the process with communication and persistence.

Councilwoman Lori Arons highlighted improvements at Arnold City Park and the opening of Planet Overstock in Arnold, saying the new business had drawn visitors from across the region.

Other council members mentioned the Kimmswick Father’s Day car show, the upcoming Firecracker Festival in Festus, Hillsboro Nights, a Hillsboro rodeo, a veterans recognition event at West City Park, and other local activities.

The meeting closed with no additional future agenda requests from council members before the council voted to adjourn.