“It’s Been a Great 12 Years”: Elsberry City Clerk Announces Her Resignation
ELSBERRY, Mo. — The votes came with a little reluctance, a few jokes and an emotional goodbye.
Elsberry’s Board of Aldermen accepted City Clerk Rachel Reed’s resignation Tuesday, setting November 13 as her final day with the city. Her departure brought a personal moment to an otherwise straightforward October 13 meeting.
“It’s been a great 12 years, and I will miss you all,” Reed said.
Mayor Steve Wilch presided over the meeting, with five aldermen present. Alderman Mike Garland was absent.
Reed’s resignation was added to the agenda near the beginning of the meeting. When the board reached the item later that evening, members mixed expressions of reluctance with humor before all five present voted to accept it.
There were tears in the room as Reed and others reflected on her departure.
Wilch wished her well in her new job and said the city would begin seeking a replacement immediately. Reed will remain through November 13 to help with the transition and training.
Her departure from City Hall will not end all of her involvement in the community. Reed said she and others will continue organizing Christmas in the Park.
Lincoln CountyWatch reached out to ask Rachel if she had anything to add. She responded;
“I have truly enjoyed working for the City of Elsberry. I am very lucky to call Elsberry my home, and I will continue to be an active member in the community,” Reed said. “I will miss everyone and I want to wish the everyone at the City the very best.”
The meeting also gave the board an opportunity to hear about Proposition F from Elsberry Fire Protection District Chief David Killian.
Killian outlined the district’s proposed $2.5 million bond issue for the November election. He described plans for improved access to firefighting water, additional tanker trucks, expanded firehouse space and a backup rescue boat. Paying off existing truck debt would also free money in the district’s operating budget.
Board members asked how dry hydrants work. Killian explained that they provide a ready connection for drawing water from a pond or lake, reducing the time needed to set up at a rural water source.
Lincoln CountyWatch sat down with Chief Killian before the meeting for an interview about Proposition F. Stay tuned for that conversation and a closer look at the district’s plans.
City project updates included ongoing sewer work, grant administration and preparations for a USDA loan closing scheduled for November 5.
The board also authorized selling the police department’s Dodge Charger once a replacement vehicle is purchased. The discussion centered on the aging vehicle’s reliability and possible federal funding for replacement vehicles. The approval did not call for selling it immediately.
Several other decisions focused on maintenance and everyday city needs.
The board approved seeking bids to drain the cemetery pond and repair deteriorating cemetery roads. Members also approved paying Larry Carter $400 for his work assisting with a disinterment.
At the library, a failing air-conditioning unit prompted discussion about whether replacement could wait until the next budget year. The board chose to seek bids so members could review the cost before deciding how to proceed.
An Alliance Water Resources contract was tabled to give aldermen time to review it.
The open meeting moved through those items in less than an hour. Reed’s farewell gave the evening its most memorable moment, as colleagues thanked her for her help and prepared for a change at City Hall.
“We’re going to miss you, too,” came the response after her closing remarks.
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Sources
Lincoln CountyWatch recording and firsthand coverage of the October 13, 2026, Elsberry Board of Aldermen meeting.
City of Elsberry October 13, 2026, meeting agenda.
City of Elsberry official City Clerk and Mayor & Aldermen directories.
Lincoln CountyWatch follow-up email to City Clerk Rachel Reed requesting confirmation and additional comments.
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