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City of Lincoln
Lincoln Council reallocates video gaming tax, approves budget and
union Contracts
[April 24, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the April 20, 2026, regular meeting, where
aldermen approved budget measures, advanced infrastructure planning,
and finalized multiple agreements.
Mayor Tracy Welch called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m., and no
one spoke during public participation before the council moved into
business.
The consent agenda, consisting of payment of bills, was approved
unanimously.
The council then approved a resolution reviewing executive session
minutes, a routine requirement under state law. Alderman Tim Becke
abstained from the vote.
One of the most significant discussions of the evening centered on a
resolution to repeal a prior measure that split video gaming tax
revenue between the capital projects fund and the general fund. The
new resolution directs 100% of that revenue into the general fund
moving forward.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo clarified the impact of the change.
“So, a yes vote on this is to repeal that and to return to the
practice of receiving 100% of it into the general fund,” Conzo said.
Aldermen voiced concerns about
shifting funds away from infrastructure projects, particularly road
and alley improvements.
“The whole point of having this 50/50 was the money goes into the
capital projects fund… for roads and alley repair,” Alderman Kevin
Bateman said.
Alderman Steve Parrott echoed those concerns, noting uncertainty
about long-term funding.
“The reason I think we picked this is because it was a for sure
funding source so that we could have those capital projects. So,
I'll be a no vote as well.”
Conzo emphasized that the general fund supports a wide range of city
operations and warned about declining fund balances and the
importance of maintaining a strong financial position.
“That’s our chief operating fund,” Conzo said. “You need that… to
make sure you’ve got enough in reserve in case of an emergency or in
case of things that cost more than you expect them to.”
He also noted the importance of financial stability ahead of an
upcoming bond rating review tied to planned road improvements.
“When you’re talking about an $8.25 million bond issue, your bond
rating is everything,” Conzo said.
The resolution ultimately passed, reallocating video gaming tax
revenue fully to the general fund.
Council members then approved the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget
resolution without opposition.
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During the
treasurer’s report, Conzo provided an overview of revenue
trends, noting modest increases in state income tax and
continued fluctuations in other revenue sources, including motor
fuel tax and video gaming revenue.
“We need to… work at building that [fund balance] back up,”
Conzo said.
The council also approved a Crawford, Murphy & Tilly work order
for engineering services related to phosphorus removal at the
wastewater treatment plant. The item was amended during the
meeting to increase the project cap from $300,000 to $350,000
after Alderman Tim Becke identified a discrepancy.
A request for a special use permit at 311 S. Logan Street for a
drive-through operation was approved unanimously, along with a
mayoral proclamation recognizing April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in
Lincoln.
The council also approved three four-year union agreements with
the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, the
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 208, and the International
Association of Firefighters Local 3092. A minor date correction
was made to the firefighters contract before final approval.
Additional approvals included adoption of an updated building
code, a loan agreement of $241,000 for construction of a
community pavilion, and a revised agreement with Logan County
for animal control services beginning May 1.
A lease agreement for office space at 500 Broadway was also
approved.
During announcements, Alderman Sam Downs encouraged residents to
support local student Brooklyn Edwards competing for America's
favorite student and promoted an upcoming campout event for
homeless veterans at Memorial Park.
“It is a rain or shine event,” Downs said.
Wastewater Project Manager Andrew Bowns announced an upcoming
road closure on Fifth Street for infrastructure work and
introduced Bud Mason, a new project manager with extensive
experience in wastewater operations.
“I want to make sure that your [sewer system model] continues to
prosper and grow,” Mason said.
Council members also discussed a proposed data center project in
Logan County, with officials noting potential regional impacts
and ongoing coordination with county leadership.
The meeting concluded with a vote to enter executive session for
litigation and personnel matters, with no further action taken
afterward.
[Sophia Larimore]
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