Jefferson City Council vote for Truman Hotel plans | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

JEFFERSON CITY — Nearly a decade after the Truman Hotel closed, the Jefferson City Council decided Monday it will not fund up to $250,000 in debris removal if the abandoned hotel is demolished.

The hotel shut down in 2015 and has remained vacant since 2017 — with boarded windows and falling gutters.

The property is independently owned, and the owner intends to demolish the existing structure to build a new, 131-room hotel with a conference center. 

“I think it speaks volumes to what our community thinks relative to using public funds for a private venture,” said Fourth Ward Council Member Chris Leuckel, as he thanked city staff for seeking community input before the council voted. 

Some councilmembers previously expressed the city funds for cleanup might be worth it, as one council member said police are frequently dispatched to the property.

“Our part, the city’s part, is to help them get rid of the waste product, not …