QuikTrip, YMCA, and Infrastructure Take Center Stage at Lincoln County Commission Meetings
- John Eads
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Lincoln County, Mo. — Lincoln County Commissioners received updates this week on road maintenance, economic development, staffing, infrastructure, and upcoming ballot measures during meetings held Tuesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Meeting
Eric with the Lincoln County Road Department opened Tuesday’s meeting by outlining winter operations, stating crews have been actively blading roads and responding to recent weather conditions to keep county roads safe and passable.
Commissioners also approved an update to the fee for adding a new road entrance, increasing it from $25 to $50. Officials noted the fee had not been updated since 2013. The revised road policies were approved unanimously, 3–0.
Julie with Economic Development provided several updates, including confirmation that 7 Brew is moving through the City of Troy with a site plan. While no location was specified, Julie noted the concept would be different than previous 7 Brew locations residents may be familiar with.
Julie further reported the YMCA has been working with the county and is evaluating public land, with officials anticipating progress within the next couple of years.
QuikTrip was referenced broadly during discussion as part of larger conversations around future retail and service needs in the county. As with other amenities, the general consensus remains that options like this are in high demand, though no specific projects or timelines were discussed publicly.
She also highlighted that a cultivation facility located in Lincoln County is currently the largest microbusiness of its kind in Missouri, and commissioners recognized Sarah’s one-year anniversary with the Economic Development Department.
Aimee with Human Resources reported the county’s 2025 turnover rate was 2.8%. She stated the county jail is fully staffed, while one road position within the Sheriff’s Office remains open. The Highway Department and Recorder of Deeds office are each down one position.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 Meeting
Thursday’s meeting opened with Cochran Engineering, which provided an update on the county’s well project. Officials stated land is still being sought, though a backup location along Highway 79 has been identified.
Julie with Economic Development expanded on the importance of the well project, explaining it would address water quality and water pressure issues countywide. She stated infrastructure limitations have prevented some businesses from even considering Lincoln County, citing a beef processing facility that recently located in Wright City, Warren County.
Julie noted the well project has been approximately five years in the making, with COVID-era funding intentionally set aside to support it, calling the project a critical step toward long-term economic growth.
Next, Tabitha, supervisor over the Sheriff’s Office crime scene unit, addressed commissioners regarding the proposed ½-cent public safety sales tax. Speaking emotionally, she described significant staffing challenges and workload concerns.
Tabitha stated the unit currently has three assigned personnel, with herself as the only fully experienced member. She explained that due to turnover, crime scene staff have worked up to 30 consecutive hours, including during the Foley homicide investigation. She also cited the Elsberry armed robbery, which required three consecutive days of scene processing.
She explained crime scene personnel receive no on-call pay or overtime, only compensatory time, which often results in further staffing shortages when time off is taken. Current pay for the position is $20.50 per hour. Tabitha stated the facilities are inadequate and emphasized that investigations cannot be rushed without risking quality and safety.
Jessica, the County Collector, reported there are currently approximately 14,000 delinquent tax bills, down from 18,000 two weeks prior. She reminded residents that SB190 senior tax renewals are due by the end of May, with an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 seniors expected to participate.
Jessica described the state law as confusing for many seniors, stating, “If the state really wanted to help seniors, they would have frozen assessed values.”
Mike, the Elections Supervisor, outlined two measures approved for the April ballot:
Proposition 1, which would continue the existing ½-cent sales tax for roads and bridges and does not create a new tax
Proposition S, which would repeal the current ½-cent public safety tax and replace it with a 1-cent sales tax dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office
Both measures were approved 2–0, with Commissioner Mueller absent.
During public comment, a resident expressed concern about voter fatigue and tax increases, stating many residents are hesitant to support additional measures. He urged commissioners to prioritize the Sheriff’s Office, stating it has sought funding multiple times without success and emphasizing the need for leadership to address public concerns about spending and transparency.
The meetings concluded with no additional action taken.
This article was written by John Eads. Lincoln CountyWatch welcomes tips, documents, photos, and corrections related to local government, public safety, and community issues. Information can be submitted confidentially by emailing tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com or calling/texting 636-377-0201. All information is based on available sources and is subject to change.
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