Aldermen Review Pension Funds and
Greenlight Health Insurance Switch
[June 10, 2025]
The Lincoln City Council met
for its first voting session meeting of June on Monday, June 2nd in
the council chambers at city hall.
Those in attendance for the meeting included all eight aldermen:
Stan Anderson, Kevin Bateman, Dennis Clemons, Sam Downs, Robin
McClallen, Rhonda O’Donoghue, Steve Parrott, and David Sanders along
with Mayor Tracy Welch, City Clerk Peggy Bateman, Treasurer Chuck
Conzo, City Attorney John Hoblit, and city department heads.
A proposed Code of Conduct for city officials was tabled during the
June 2 Lincoln City Council meeting, along with extensive discussion
on how to define expectations and consequences for elected
officials. The code, drafted by the city’s ethics group, prompted
concerns over vague language and enforceability.
Alderwoman Robin McClallen called for specific definitions of terms
like “meeting” and “unexcused absence,” and proposed formally
codifying the ethics committee. City Attorney John Hoblit clarified
that the code currently applies only to city council members, not
other elected officials like the clerk or treasurer.
“I’m okay with tabling it and having the committee to work on it,”
said Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue. “I just don’t want there to be
dragging of the feet.”
Alderman Kevin Bateman was more direct, “If you're an elected
official, you're an elected official 24/7, 365,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to
table the ordinance and revisit it at a future Committee of the
Whole meeting.
The meeting also included financial updates from Treasurer Chuck
Conzo, who reported a $600,000 decrease in the general fund compared
to last year, citing a roughly $254,000 demolition project on
Sangamon Street as a major factor. “It’s still a pretty good fund
balance,” he said, “but we like to go in the other direction.”
The council also reviewed updated reports for the police and
firefighter pension funds. The police pension remained the same,
however the fire pension fund faced higher expenditures due to an
increase in retirements. This report is made once per year.
The council then approved several infrastructure contracts with
engineering firm Crawford, Murphy & Tilly:
● No more than $33,000 for curb and sidewalk work.
● No more than $100,000 for sewer planning on Campus View Drive.
Bateman explained the need for the sewer project, saying the current
line runs beneath homes and garages. “In order for the city to do
this, we need to move the sewer line out to an area that is
currently owned by Open Arms [Chruch],” he said.
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A letter of understanding with Open Arms was approved, granting
the city an easement to move the line. “Open Arms has already
made that decision,” said Mayor Tracy Welch.
Other approvals included:
● Increasing the City Clerk’s credit card limit to $5,000.
● A $10,000 salary compensation study with GovHR USA LLC.
● A renewed certificate of deposit with United Community Bank at a
4.1% interest rate for nine months.
During announcements City Clerk Peggy Bateman informed the council
that Health Alliance will stop offering large-group insurance plans
starting January 1, and Lincoln qualifies as a large group. R.W.
Garrett Agency Inc. explored alternatives and narrowed options to
Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare. Aetna was not viable
due to the number of retirees under 65.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offered the most comprehensive coverage,
including Springfield Clinic access, and proposed an 18-month rate
guarantee if the city switches by July 1. The city’s insurance
committee reviewed the options and recommended the switch. Bateman
emphasized the tight timeline, asking for informal approval so the
transition process can begin, with a formal vote to follow later.
Police Chief Joe Meister reported increased enforcement for e-bikes
and gas-powered bicycles following complaints. “They’re subject to
all the same traffic laws,” he said. “If we don’t get compliance,
we’re going to start doing some impoundments.”
In closing announcements, Alderman Sam Downs invited the public to
Logan County’s Pride Fest. Council members also congratulated local
student-athletes.
Welch shared that the Illinois General Assembly has passed a new
state budget, which includes $500 million in funding for the Surplus
to Success and DCEO LDC remediation programs. “So good for Lincoln,
as long as it continues to move forward as proposed,” he said. A
local task force has been formed and will soon conduct a site visit
now that funding is confirmed. Welch noted that the project is
moving forward and promised to keep the council updated.
[Sophia Larimore]

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