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City of Lincoln
Lincoln Council Advances Multiple Agreements, Reviews Financial
Report
[February 20, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the regular meeting held Feb. 17 at City
Hall. The council approved multiple agreements, received financial
reports and discussed several infrastructure and tourism-related
matters during the evening session.
The meeting began with approval of the consent agenda, including
payment of bills and minutes from prior January meetings, which
passed unanimously.
Council members first heard an informational update on the city’s
electric aggregation program as officials prepare to renew the
contract later this year. The vice president of
Operations/Intelligence Justin Cheger of The Stone River Group
explained the upcoming renewal would likely be for approximately 13
to 14 months to better align with Ameren pricing cycles.
The aggregation program remains an opt-out program, allowing
residents to leave at any time without penalty. Officials reported
participating households collectively saved more than $165,000 in
2025 compared to Ameren default rates.
Cheger did however explain that residents with behind-the-meter
solar systems are generally advised not to participate in the
aggregation program. Switching suppliers can reset their
net-metering cycle, though the program attempts to identify and
exclude those accounts whenever possible.
A resolution authorizing execution of a service agreement for
electricity supply for residential and small commercial customers
who do not opt out was then approved unanimously.
The council also approved an ordinance imposing lift assist fees for
certain non-emergency calls involving nursing facilities. During
discussion, Fire Chief Ty Johnson explained that while the
department cannot control dispatch decisions or facility protocols,
the ordinance provides a mechanism to address situations if repeated
non-emergency calls begin placing strain on staffing resources.
“I reached out to a number of nursing facilities, and I got a little
bit of numbers,” Alderman Sam Downs said, sharing information he
gathered regarding falls and lift assist needs during the fourth
quarter of 2025.
Alderman Tim Becke asked how those incidents were categorized when
calls are received, noting that some situations may appear to be
emergencies while others are not. Johnson explained dispatch
determines response levels using a standardized coding system and
that the ordinance is intended as a preventative tool.
An ordinance authorizing the sale
of excess personal property also passed without opposition.
Under bids, the council approved a proposal from Henson Services for
annual grinding and hauling of landscape waste at a cost not to
exceed $19,950.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo presented the January financial report,
noting the general fund balance of approximately $4.07 million is
down about $125,000 compared to the same time last year. While
revenue sources such as state income tax and municipal sales tax
have increased, inflation and spending have offset those gains.
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“We’re going to
have to have some conversations when we get to talking about the
budget about prioritizing spending,” Conzo said.
City Clerk Peggy Bateman reported more
than $368,000 in sewer receipts collected during January, including
nearly $26,000 from correctional facilities.
The council then approved participation in the Lincoln Community
Revitalization Plan through the Illinois Housing Development
Authority. Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue noted the project would
require strong community involvement, including volunteers to assist
with housing assessments conducted throughout the city.
“It’s going to be a big undertaking, and it’s going to be something
that I think we’re all going to have to be involved in,” O’Donoghue
said.
Mayor Tracy Welch emphasized the
effort would rely on community participation and encouraged
residents interested in housing development efforts to become
involved.
“My request to those people that feel that we're not doing anything
for affordable housing in our community, now is the time to step up
and join us and help us move the city forward.”
Additional business included approval of an agreement with Spyglass
Group LLC for telecommunication audit services and authorization for
issuance of a city credit card to Tourism Director Scott McCoy with
a $5,000 limit. Discussion surrounding the credit card focused on
oversight, invoicing procedures and safeguards to ensure appropriate
use of city funds—although multiple members of the council deemed
him a trustworthy employee.
City Attorney John Hoblit explained that municipalities often
exercise caution with credit cards due to legal risks but confirmed
there is no prohibition against issuing one to a contracted employee
if proper controls are in place.
During announcements, council members shared updates on upcoming
community events, including the John Welch youth basketball
tournament, local athletic achievements and infrastructure concerns
related to utility installation boxes and damaged caps within
rights-of-way areas.
After completing agenda items and announcements, the council
adjourned the meeting following a unanimous vote.
[Sophia Larimore]
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