Winner of Van Buren mayor's race questioned over delinquent taxes

VAN BUREN, Mo. — A hearing today could decide the fate of Van Buren’s newly elected mayor.

A petition filed last week with a Carter County court questions Mike Hoerner’s right to hold office, alleging Hoerner owes more than $9,000 in delinquent taxes from 2011.

The document was filed by Carter County Prosecutor Ernie Richardson on behalf of the state.

Richardson could not be reached for comment, and a copy of the document was not immediately available.

Hoerner denies any taxes are owed, and he questions why his right to run for mayor was not disputed before the April 5 election.

Hoerner won the election 121-95 against current mayor Dale Kerkvliet.

The Van Buren council was expected to meet Monday to swear in the new mayor.

A notice posted Friday at city hall, however, listed a new meeting date of April 21, after the court hearing.

Hoerner blames the petition on bad feelings among current city employees, saying the change in town leadership isn’t welcome.

“It’s just because I won, and they don’t want me in there,” Hoerner said. “I won hands-down.”

He admits he began receiving letters from the Missouri Department of Revenue in February. It is not clear from the letters what type of tax is owed, Hoerner said, adding he was in discussion with the state to resolve the matter.

Candidates in Missouri elections are required to sign an affidavit stating, among other qualifications, they do not owe any state income taxes, personal-property taxes or real property taxes.

Candidates can be disqualified for delinquent taxes, according to the Department of Revenue.

Hoerner said he believes residents will stand behind him in this matter.

“I live for this city,” he said. “I just want to try to fix this town.”

The hearing will be at 10 a.m. today in the Carter County Circuit Court before Judge David Paul Evans.