Annexation at a Crossroads: Two Cities, One Quarry, and One Big Decision for Voters

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Oct. 20, 2025) – A stretch of farmland west of Excelsior Springs has suddenly found itself at the center of a tug-of-war between two cities, one mining company, and a group of rural homeowners. On November 4, voters in Excelsior Springs and Mosby will each decide whether their city should annex the same piece of land owned by David and Doreen Rhodus. The property sits between the two towns in unincorporated Clay County, right next to an underground quarry run by Ideker Mining.

The Rhodus family has stated they want to lease their land to Ideker so the quarry can expand. Excelsior Springs claims their annexation would help to control future growth and would likely prevent more mining activity near its desired business and industrial district. Both cities have placed annexation questions on their November ballots. If voters in both cities approve, it could spark a legal dispute over who has the right to claim it.

How the Dispute Began

Earlier this year, David Rhodus asked Mosby to voluntarily annex his land so he could move forward with a lease to Ideker Mining. His request was signed and dated in the spring, but Mosby didn’t officially receive the petition until much later. By that time, Excelsior Springs had already passed its own ordinance to annex the same area.

That timing matters. Under Missouri law, the city that acts first and follows the process correctly usually has the stronger legal claim. If both measures pass, the courts will likely look closely at when each city took official action.

What Each City Wants

Mosby’s ballot question focuses only on the Rhodus property. Mosby city officials have said the annexation of the property and the expansion of the quarry would bring in new tax and permit revenue. If Mosby voters approve, the land would fall within Mosby’s city limits, allowing Ideker Mining to expand its operations nearby with current regulations.

That possibility has divided local opinion. After Mosby residents signed a petition, Mosby’s Board of Aldermen was forced by Missouri law to let residents decide the matter at the ballot box rather than approving it directly. Some residents have questioned whether the small city has the staff or resources to monitor industrial activity or respond to environmental complaints.

Excelsior Springs’ plan covers a wider area, including the Rhodus property and other nearby farmland along Cameron Road. The city’s leaders say the goal is to plan for growth, and say the annexation isn’t tied directly to the mining issue. According to Mallory Brown, the city’s Community Development Director, Excelsior Springs wants to:

Manage zoning before incompatible land uses, (like quarry expansion), take hold
Protect property values and infrastructure investments on the city’s west side
Ensure that future development meets city standards

If the annexation passes, Excelsior Springs’ stricter zoning rules, which prohibit mining, would take effect immediately. That could make quarry expansion more difficult or delay it entirely.

Rural Residents’ Claims

Rural homeowners along Cameron Road and Orrick Road who have lived there for years say their homes are being destroyed and their quality of life has suffered since quarry blasting began around 2015. They’re worried that expansion of the quarry would worsen the conditions and further devalue their homes.

This summer, rural neighbors formed the Cameron Road Neighborhood Association to organize opposition. They’ve spoken at public meetings and met with both Mosby and Excelsior Springs officials, voicing concerns about safety, property damage, and the loss of rural quiet. While some of the rural residents are aprehensive about annexation, many of them see Excelsior Springs’ annexation as their best hope for stronger regulation.

Ironically, those living inside the proposed annexation area won’t get to vote in either election. Because both proposals are involuntary annexations, only registered voters who already live inside the city limits of Excelsior Springs or Mosby can cast ballots.

Campaign activity on both sides of the issue has already begun. “Vote No” signs and mailers have appeared throughout Excelsior Springs, many placed on properties owned by the Rhodus family. The materials do not include the legally required “paid for by” disclosure, prompting questions from residents about who is organizing and funding the effort.

Meanwhile, signs encouraging residents to vote “Yes” also began appearing this week, distributed by the Cameron Road Neighborhood Association.

What Happens After the Election

If Excelsior Springs voters approve and Mosby voters reject, the land would join Excelsior Springs and fall under its zoning.

If Mosby approves and Excelsior Springs rejects, the property would become part of Mosby, likely opening the door for Ideker Mining’s expansion.

If both cities approve, the issue will likely go to court to determine which city acted properly and first under state law.

If both measures fail, the property remains unincorporated Clay County and continues under county and state oversight.

The Excelsior Citizen will release a video series ahead of the election, featuring local officials, residents, and property owners discussing the issue from all sides. A Community Forum will also be held on October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Mid-Continent Public Library’s Excelsior Springs Branch, where residents can learn more and hear from a panel including members like Davis Rhodus and Chris McClaskey. Questions asked will come from a list of community submissions, which can be sent by filling out this form.

Whatever happens on November 4, the results will decide who governs this stretch of ground, and whether it stays rural farmland, becomes part of a city, or expands into something much larger.

Sample ballots for the annexation issue in both Mosby and Excelsior Springs are provided below.

Sample Ballots for Excelsior Springs Voters

Even though the land proposed for annexation is located in Clay County, every registered voter living inside the City of Excelsior Springs, including those on the Ray County side, will have a chance to vote on the question.