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City of Lincoln
Lincoln Council approves $8.25 million bond for capital improvements
[April 08, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the April 6, 2026 regular meeting, where
aldermen approved several routine items, advanced infrastructure
projects, and rejected a proposed fuel surcharge for the trash
service GFL.
Mayor Tracy Welch called the meeting to order shortly after 6 p.m.
and noted there was no public participation before moving into
agenda items.
The consent agenda, which included approval of bills, meeting
minutes, and multiple event-related street closures, passed
unanimously. Approved requests included several Rail Splitter
Antique Car Club events, a Foxhole Pub & Grub benefit, an American
Legion poppy distribution, and a Washington-Monroe school carnival.
Council members then approved an ordinance authorizing up to $8.25
million in general obligation bonds to fund capital improvements
across the city. The bond amount reflects an increase from earlier
estimates tied to rising project costs.
Infrastructure improvements were also addressed with the approval of
a $32,300 bid from Bodine Electric of Decatur to install a new video
detection system at the intersection of Woodlawn and Connelly roads.
The system is intended to replace malfunctioning traffic detection
equipment that has caused delays.
Street Superintendent Walt Landers noted that while the project is
expected to proceed smoothly, potential issues with underground
conduit could increase costs.
“If there's not a piece of conduit
that's damaged… there may be some additional cost there,” Landers
said.
Despite that possibility, officials said the project should not
significantly delay improvements at the intersection, which has
experienced ongoing traffic flow issues.
The most discussed item of the evening was a request from GFL
Environmental to add a temporary 15% fuel surcharge to residential
trash bills, which would have applied to April, May and June billing
cycles.
Several council members voiced opposition, citing the city’s
existing contract with GFL.
“I reviewed the contract that was sent,” Alderman Stan Anderson
said. “It does not state in here that if there's an increase in
diesel fuel prices, that that's a reason to come back and to
increase our rates”
Alderman Tim Becke raised concerns about the company’s
responsibility to absorb fuel cost fluctuations under its current
contract.
“When they made that contract, they knew how much diesel fuel that
they would be able to absorb and still make a profit.”
Alderman Sam Downs acknowledged concerns but ultimately supported
the measure as a temporary solution.
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“I’m not happy
about doing this, but I’m doing it,” Downs said.
The proposal failed in a 7–1 vote, with Downs casting the only
vote in favor.
Following that decision, the council moved quickly through
several approvals. Two economic development grants—each not to
exceed $7,500—were approved for improvements to the Lincoln
Eagles Lodge and a Woodlawn Road property owned by Brady’s
Rentals and Properties.
Council members also approved the
mayoral appointment of Emily Whitham to the Fire and Police
Commission, as well as the renewal of employee dental and life
insurance policies.
A contract renewal with Nado Technology & Consulting, LLC was
approved at a cost not to exceed $71,171.04 for fiscal year
2026–2027, continuing IT services for the city. The council then
also approved participation in an electric discount program through
the Stone River Group.
One agenda item related to the closure of the 1000 block of Pekin
Street and 200 block of North Sheridan Street. This was removed
after officials determined it had already been approved under a
previous agreement.
During announcements, Welch informed council members that the
opening of the city’s museum will be delayed by one month, moving
from May 1 to June 1 to allow additional time for completion.
Public works updates included an upcoming street closure at Pine and
Eighth Streets to accommodate delivery of modular building
components, as well as continued work on a sewer infrastructure
issue along Eighth Street.
A project representative also provided updates on several ongoing
construction efforts, including the Fifth Street project and
upcoming bids for improvements on Tremont Street.
“We’ve already received seven requests from bids… so we’ve got a
good response so far,”
Additional announcements highlighted community events, including
volunteer opportunities for the city’s Third Friday program and an
organized cleanup effort at Latham Park.
The meeting concluded with a vote to enter executive session for
litigation discussion, with no further city business conducted
afterward.
[Sophia Larimore]
[Text received from file]
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