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 City approves loan for police vehicles
Among the action items on the Monday night's agenda was a request to
approve entering into a loan agreement with Illini Bank in Lincoln
in the amount of $195,757, at 2 percent interest rate.
The money would be used to purchase seven new police vehicles from
Lincoln Chrysler Dodge Jeep.
The city would purchase four Dodge Chargers for squad cars and three
Ram pick-up trucks from the local dealership. This would be the
first purchase in a new plan to replace approximately six vehicles
every three years.
The motion to approve was made by Kathy Horn with Tracy Welch
offering the second. At the vote, the motion was approved
unanimously.
Before the vote, Jonie Tibbs noted that she was very pleased that
the police department had worked with local businesses and that the
vehicles would be purchased locally and financed locally.
Utility tax revenue still down, gaming tax up
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo gave the revenue report for the first
month of the new fiscal year. In his report, he noted that the
collections from the city’s utility tax were down compared to last
year.
The tax is based on the cost and amount of electricity consumed by
local businesses and residents. With a mild winter and a cooler than
normal April and May, consumption of electricity is down for the
moment. With the high heat that has been experienced in June, that
consumption may increase, and consequently, the tax revenue may
increase also.
The city of Lincoln implemented the utility tax in October of 2013.
Since that time, the tax has brought $2,377,939.44.
In contrast, the gaming tax continues to rise. In May of 2015, the
amount collected was $13,710.96. The amount collected in May 2016
was $19,784.05. The gaming tax began in November 2012. Since that
time, the total amount collected is $413,550.38.
Thanks for all you do
During public participation on Monday evening, Pastor Larry Crawford
accompanied by Terry Carlton and Dan Turner, all of Open Arms
Fellowship Church in Lincoln, talked about the upcoming Family Fun
Day that the church hosts annually in Scully Park downtown.
Pastor Crawford said that the free event, which would be held on
July 16th this year was a great way to bring people together as a
community. The church estimates that approximately 2,500 people
attend the event each year. He said that these were people who come
from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds, there to enjoy a
day in the park, and time with family and friends.
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He noted and thanked Police Chief Paul Adams and Fire Chief Mark
Miller, for their respective department’s involvement in the event
each year. The Lincoln departments along with other emergency
service agencies in the area often bring out their vehicles and
their personnel to the event. Families have the opportunity to view
the equipment and speak with personnel about what they do for the
community.
Crawford said that he understood that what the Lincoln City Council does is
“huge.” He said Family Fun Day is all about making the community better, and
that ultimately the church shares that goal with the aldermen.
He said the church wanted to thank the city for their efforts, and also wanted
to offer their help in any way needed. He said, referring to the town and
community, “We want to join you in making it better.”
Terry Carlton, who is a former Logan County Board member, also spoke briefly
saying that he understood first hand that being a community servant, such as the
aldermen are, is not always a fun job. He said that he wanted the aldermen to
understand that Open Arms Fellowship supports the city and appreciates all the
efforts being made on a daily basis.
Announcements and other discussion
Before going into executive session, Mayor Marty Neitzel acknowledged that
Alderwoman Jonie Tibbs and her husband Harry celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary over the weekend. She congratulated them. It was also noted that
Treasurer Conzo would celebrate his birthday this week.
Kathy Horn said the Lincoln Community High School class of 1971 held their
reunion over the weekend, and many attended the 3rd Friday event downtown. She
said some who are out of town but within driving distance said they would be
back for future events.
Police Chief Paul Adams noted that the D.A.R.E Golf Outing held last Friday was
a nice event and that the Department raised approximately $10,000 for the
D.A.R.E. program.
Neitzel also noted that the 14-month calendars being sold by the Humane Society
of Logan County would go on sale this week, and include photos of local
emergency service programs, as well as the Lincoln Fire and Police Departments.
[Nila Smith]
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