Lincoln County Prepares for Upcoming Road Work, Restores Second Foreman Position
Updated: 6 days ago
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. — Lincoln County commissioners approved restoring a second Highway Department foreman position Tuesday, giving the department additional supervision as it prepares for upcoming road projects.
The Sept. 29 meeting drew a small audience and moved through a relatively light agenda. Road work and staffing took up much of the discussion, alongside county building repairs, tax revenue and a returning employee’s benefits.
Highway Department Director Robert Henebry said the second foreman would help oversee field crews while freeing up time to coordinate easements and prepare roads for next year’s construction.
Paving operations can require 14 to 16 employees, including truck drivers, equipment operators and flaggers. Henebry said that uses roughly 80% of the department’s staff, leaving fewer workers available for grading, culvert replacements and vegetation control.
The department is also considering using contractors for some paving after county crews prepare the roads. Henebry discussed possibly adding one or two full-time employees, including seasonal workers interested in permanent positions.
Commissioners approved restoring the foreman position, which had previously been removed. The additional hiring and outside paving options remained part of the planning discussion.
During public comment, a resident followed up on requests for an evening meeting and access to an Emergency Management report.
Commissioners said they were working toward an evening meeting but had not set a date. They had seen a physical copy of the completed report and discussed checking with Emergency Management about making it available online.
Frank Doll’s project management update focused on repairs and preparations for colder weather. County maintenance employees replaced a hot-water recirculation pump at the Sheriff’s Office themselves, saving the cost of an outside contractor. Doll is also obtaining a bid to replace a boiler before winter.
Renovations in courthouse rooms 104 and 106 are nearing completion, with ceiling grids installed and remaining electrical and heating and cooling work being coordinated. Doll also discussed improved lighting in the Justice Center’s file storage area and planning for courtroom needs in the 2027 budget.
Treasurer Brenda O’Brien reported that sales tax collections were slightly below the same month last year but remained ahead year to date. Gas tax revenue was also ahead for the year.
Commissioners approved a request presented by Human Resources Coordinator Aimee Forys to waive the 90-day health insurance waiting period for a former Sheriff’s Office employee returning as corrections lieutenant on Oct. 5. They also approved routine inventory transfers and disposal of broken equipment.
The commission’s next scheduled meeting is Thursday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Commission Office, 201 Main Street in Troy.
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