A New Manufacturer, a Nearly Full Jail and More Millcreek Questions: Inside Tuesday’s Commission Meeting
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. — A manufacturer preparing to move into Moscow Mills, a county jail nearing its practical capacity and another lengthy discussion over the proposed Millcreek battery-storage facility highlighted a busy Lincoln County Commission meeting Tuesday.
Presiding Commissioner Joe Kaimann and Associate Commissioners Mike Mueller and Matt Bass were present for the October 6 meeting, which brought together county officials, law enforcement, economic development representatives, municipal leaders and several residents.
One of the morning’s biggest announcements came from Lincoln County Economic Development, which reported that Iron Tiger Manufacturing is expected to close on the former Elite Tool building in Moscow Mills near the end of October.
The company is expected to seek approximately 50 workers for welding, CNC and machining positions.
Iron Tiger was among 41 employers represented at the recent Lincoln County Job Fair, which drew more than 110 job seekers from 13 ZIP codes.
“To say that was a big success would be an understatement,” Economic Development Director Julie Rodgers told commissioners.
Officials said participating employers were impressed with the quality of applicants and were already asking when another event would be held.
Economic development officials plan to bring the job fair back in the spring, likely during late-afternoon or evening hours. That would give high school and college students, along with people already working during the day, a better opportunity to attend.
Officials are also collecting information from employers to determine how many interviews and hires came from the event.
Other economic development work includes an effort to bring Small Business Development Center services into Lincoln County, continued preparation of potential development sites and activities recognizing Manufacturing Month.
Lincoln County Sheriff Rick Harrell later reported that 166 inmates were being held at the county jail Tuesday. That total included 43 federal detainees housed for the U.S. Marshals Service and 53 inmates from Boone County.
Although the jail is commonly described as having 212 beds, Harrell explained that only 182 are located within the primary confinement area. The remaining beds serve other purposes, including medical care, inmate workers and intake, leaving approximately 16 regular housing beds available Tuesday.
Lincoln County continues to accept Boone County inmates when space allows. Harrell said revenue generated through that arrangement has helped the sheriff’s office meet its financial goals and strengthened its position heading into future budget discussions.
Boone County voters are expected to consider a proposal for a new jail in November. If approved, Harrell said the housing relationship with Lincoln County could continue for approximately three more years while that facility is built.
Harrell also told commissioners that last year marked a historic low for crime in Lincoln County during this century and that the county appears to be continuing that trend in 2026. Fatal crashes are also down significantly this year, he said.
The proposed Millcreek battery energy storage facility produced the meeting’s longest discussion.
Resident Matt Beger, a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives in District 41, questioned commissioners about a report prepared following discussions between county emergency management officials and Ameren representatives.
Beger argued that several safety questions remain unresolved and asked commissioners to consider holding an evening meeting where residents could speak directly with them.
The discussion included emergency response, fire-water containment, airborne material during a battery fire, independent testing and whether volunteer fire districts would have enough personnel available for the initial response to a major incident.
Commissioners said the county’s attorneys had reviewed the matter and expressed concern that an attempt to delay or restrict the project could expose Lincoln County to litigation.
Beger urged commissioners to consider slowing the process until the remaining questions are answered.
“You guys are the last speed bump,” he said.
One commissioner said he would not be comfortable with construction beginning if safety questions remained unanswered, while also noting that the commission may not have the legal authority to stop the project.
Commissioners said a meeting with Ameren had been requested but had not yet been confirmed. No formal action was taken on the project Tuesday.
Silex Mayor Lynne Luckett later asked commissioners to partner with the city on competitive grant applications for street and stormwater improvements.
Under the proposal, Silex and Lincoln County would submit separate but related applications, increasing the possibility that at least one portion of the work receives funding. Officials said the grant would not require a local match, although some administrative and application expenses could be involved.
Commissioners voted to participate in the grant process.
Luckett also reported that extensive repairs have reduced Silex’s water loss to approximately 7%, down from substantially higher levels earlier in the year.
The city used approximately 984,000 gallons during its latest billing period, exceeding its contracted monthly amount of roughly 900,000 gallons. Luckett said the additional usage resulted in a surcharge and that a future rate increase will likely be necessary for water revenues to cover the city’s expenses.
Other county updates included continued road and culvert work, planning for a proposed fourth courtroom at the Justice Center and renovations to courthouse rooms expected to be used during the November election.
County officials also corrected a Justice Center door leading toward the judges’ corridor after discovering that it would remain unlocked during a power outage. The door will now remain secured while continuing to allow people inside to exit in compliance with fire-safety requirements.
The Lincoln County Commission is scheduled to meet again Thursday, October 8, beginning at 9:15 a.m.
The tentative agenda includes public comment, Cochran Engineering, Collector Jessica Zumwalt and resident Terry Bell. The county is also scheduled to open bids at 1:30 p.m. for a new jail management system. Officials said Tuesday that three submissions had already been received.
Commission meetings are held at the County Commission Office, 201 Main Street in Troy.
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