Residents and downtown business owners urge Henry County action on growing homelessness and safety concerns

At a Feb. 17 Henry County Commission meeting in Clinton, multiple residents and downtown business owners urged county officials to take a more active role in addressing a visible homeless population that, they said, is affecting safety and downtown revenue.

Amanda Johnson, who later identified herself during the meeting as a business owner and resident, said outreach and offers of help have met resistance from some people living on the square and argued the county should coordinate with Clinton to pursue an organized solution. "If this homelessness issue continues to be in our community ... we're gonna lose that sales tax money," Johnson said, urging the county to seek grants or leased space for services rather than what she called informal, ad hoc responses.

Speakers cited drug use, public intoxication and reported instances of paraphernalia and graffiti on the square. Several business owners said they had offered help (trash bags, transport) to people on the street but that some refuse assistance. The group also raised concerns about a nearby property, referred to during public comment as the old hotel owned by a private party; callers said the site is an "eyesore" and asked whether the city or county could use enforcement tools to compel cleanup.

City-affiliated attendees and county staff said options are limited when the property is privately held and not subject to condemnation. Greg Shannon, who runs Katy Trail tours in Clinton and spoke during the meeting, said the city "would love for that . . . property that's gonna clean that up," and pledged to follow up with city staff about whether any enforcement or remediation steps are available.

County Clerk Kelly Merritt and other staff said county staff had reached out to regional Compass Health officials and Christy Magi in the city of Clinton and were awaiting responses. Commissioner Jake Bradley (called in earlier) was reported to have contacted Compass's regional leadership and the Clinton city contact and is awaiting return calls.

No formal county ordinance, new funding or directive was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners and staff agreed to pursue follow-up communications with Compass Health and Clinton city officials and to document citizen concerns for future action. The commission also noted they would review property and floodplain maps and seek any administrative avenues that might address specific nuisance or safety hazards on private property.

What happens next: Staff said they will follow up with the city of Clinton and regional Compass Health officials and report back at a future meeting; the commission did not schedule an immediate county-led action or appropriation.