Lincoln City Council met in regular session Monday, August 12 at 6:00 PM in City Hall. Prior to the regular meeting a hearing for the public about AD VALOREM Property tax for the year 2024 was conducted. No citizen responded and Tax remained the same as 2023.
Following routine business there was 15 minutes allotted for those not on the agenda. No one appeared to speak.
Benton County Economic Development Director, Jo Ann Lane, shared the Premier Auto Sales has golf carts for sale but also rents them. She also handed out literature from USDA about low cost loans for cities for storm water control.
Public Works Director, Josh Cole, reported on the work of maintaining the city. A new mini-split was installed on the City Hall air conditioning system. It not only makes the facility more comfortable but more economical to operate. Public Works has smoke tested the sewer system and has found 32 problems. Ongoing mower repairs continue and department has installed 4 stop signs, with 10 more to go. Crew has been cleaning out lift stations and repaired Pivot #2 flow meter problem. Cole concluded his report about new street overlays with, “Capital paving has performed a great job again.”
City Clerk, Sabrina Brown, reported the city’s computer system has had updates to software and it is a complete bust. She has been researching a new system from a company in Kentucky and it seems to be the most promising. If the city invests in the new system it will be expensive but is a necessary cost.
Brown also shared that people often bring old flags to City Hall because they have no idea of where to take them until they can be properly destroyed. She was advised to contact the Commander of the VFW.
The council held a first and second reading of Bill #08-12-24 (A) to become Ordinance #720 “An Ordinance of the City of Lincoln, Missouri to establish a Procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain Officials” Following proper readings it became Ordinance # 720.
Council had a first and second reading by title only of Bill #08-12-24 (B) to become Ordinance #721. “An Ordinnace of the City of Lincoln, Missouri, levying an Ad Valorem Property tax for the year of 2024.”
A proposal to replace the awning shingles on the front of City Hall. Accepted a bid from Restoration Roofing. City will pay without submitting to insurance as that would not be a saving measure with deductibles. It was announced the awning had sustained hail damage in one of the summer storms but as it was noted, “The roof had already lived a long life.”
Mayor Nelson gave the council a mid-year update on the “State of the City.” He reported sales tax is up 14% from 2023. The police department is operating well within its budget. Taxes supporting streets are going strong statewide. Water revenues remain at a level and sewer expenses were down somewhat. Council members thanked the Mayor for keeping them up to date.
With no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
