|
City of Lincoln
Council Swears in New Alderman at Regular City Council Meeting
[January 22, 2026]
The Lincoln City Council met
Tuesday evening, Jan. 20, at City Hall, with Mayor Pro Tem Kevin
Bateman presiding in the absence of Mayor Tracy Welch. The meeting
included approval of multiple ordinances and resolutions,
authorization of infrastructure expenditures, presentation of the
city treasurer’s report and the swearing-in of a new Ward 2
alderman.
Bateman called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and opened with a
moment of silence in honor of Lester Plotner, a longtime Lincoln
educator and former city treasurer.
“Mr. Plotner served 38 years as an educator in Lincoln area
schools,” Bateman said, noting that Plotner later served as city
treasurer from 1994 until 2010 after being appointed by former Mayor
John Guzzardo.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Bateman asked if anyone wished
to speak during public participation. “Seeing none, we’ll move down
to number five, the consent agenda,” he said.
The council approved the consent agenda by omnibus vote, including
payment of bills and approval of minutes from several meetings held
in December 2025 and early January 2026.
Under ordinances and resolutions, the council unanimously adopted a
resolution recognizing Catholic Schools Week, scheduled for Jan.
26–30, 2026.
The council then approved an ordinance formally establishing
historic district boundaries in downtown Lincoln. The ordinance
clarifies district limits that had existed informally for years but
were not previously adopted by ordinance.
Next, the council approved a bid from Byrne’s Backhoe Excavating for
the demolition and removal of the structure at 224 Willamette Ave.,
at a cost not to exceed $5,995. During discussion, Alderman Stan
Anderson noted an error in the printed materials.
“Just to clarify for the reading, it’s Byrne’s Backhoe — it’s
printed right on there, but now it says Baines,” Anderson said.
Bateman acknowledged the correction before the vote.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo then presented the treasurer’s report for
December 2025. He told the council the city’s general fund balance
was lower than the previous year, though not as low as in past
years.
“It’s not down near as low as it was a few years ago,” Conzo said,
adding the city has experienced “a lot of expenses too within the
last few months that were not all anticipated.”
Conzo also discussed state revenue
sources, including sales tax, state income tax, motor fuel tax and
video gaming revenue. He highlighted a long-term reduction in the
portion of state income tax distributed to municipalities following
legislative changes enacted in 2011.
“What they found out is that reduction resulted in a loss to
incorporated municipalities and to all 102 counties,” Conzo said,
citing data published by the Illinois Municipal League and Illinois
Policy Institute.
According to figures presented, the city of Lincoln has lost more
than $12 million in state income tax revenue over the past 12 years.
Conzo said that revenue could have significantly strengthened the
city’s general fund and funded major purchases.
City Clerk Peggy Bateman reported
sewer receipts for December totaled $239,036.74, including more than
$27,000 from the city’s correctional facilities. She later clarified
that residents may begin prepaying sewer bills starting Jan. 26,
with payments due by Feb. 20.
[to top of second column] |
“Make sure you
find out from them exactly [how much],” she said. “After the
20th of February, you have to pay monthly.”
The council then approved the purchase of a new E-One fire
engine at a cost not to exceed $1,371,357. After the vote,
Bateman encouraged staff to explore financing options, noting
the manufacturer offers a 4.5% return on funds paid ahead of
delivery.
“If we can borrow money at 3.5% and they’re paying us 4.5%, it
would be very prudent for the city not to take that on,” Bateman
said.
Conzo responded that interest rates have fluctuated and said
timing would be key in determining whether borrowing would be
beneficial.
“The timing is everything on this,” Conzo said.
The council also approved replacement of influent pump station
heaters at a cost not to exceed $23,132.97 and authorized
participation in the USA Blue Book MRO savings program.
Under advice and consent, the council
unanimously approved the appointment of Tim Becke to fill the vacant
Ward 2 alderman seat. Becke was sworn in following the vote.
During announcements, Wastewater Project Manager Andrew Bowns
introduced Tasmin Kabir, who will be stepping into a managerial role
at the wastewater facility.
“I hope I can fill Andrew’s shoes,” Kabir said. “I know it will be
pretty hard, but I will try my very best.”
Police Chief Joe Meister announced the upcoming Bridge Deflection
Initiative, a community-based program aimed at connecting
individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges or
substance use disorders with local services.
“This is a community-based program that offers services to targeted
populations,” Meister said, adding the public launch will take place
Feb. 24 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lincoln Park District.
Fire Chief Ty Johnson thanked the council and treasurer for
approving the fire engine purchase and recognized the fire engine
committee for its work.
“Almost all the work towards that fire engine purchase was the fire
engine committee,” Johnson said, noting the effort was largely
uncompensated.
Bateman also shared information about the 2026 Work Camp, stating
organizers are seeking additional projects across Logan County.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
[Sophia Larimore]
 |
