“We Definitely Need a Budget Meeting”: Silex Board Postpones Water Bill Payment Amid Ongoing Billing Concerns

Silex, Mo. — The Silex Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Wednesday evening focused primarily on ongoing water billing concerns, city finances, infrastructure issues, and the search for a new city clerk.

The meeting remained calm and orderly throughout the night, with no public comments made and no residents present during the meeting.

Coverage supported by Duct Solutions Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning.

All board members were present except Alderman Billy Holcomb. Mayor Lynne Luckett, Alderman Janet Baker, Alderman Steve McDonald, and Alderman David Rice Jr. were in attendance during the May 6, 2026 special meeting at Silex City Hall.

One of the first major discussions of the evening centered around the city’s ongoing water billing issues and concerns over whether the city would have enough money to cover the upcoming wholesale water bill.

Alderman David Rice Jr. made a motion early in the meeting to move the water bill discussion to the front of the agenda. The motion received a second and was approved by the board.

Mayor Lynne Luckett explained that a former city clerk believed water readings appeared unusually high beginning around October and allegedly began splitting payments without board approval.

Rice told the board he had spoken with local businesses and residents and believed the fairest solution would be to review water bills dating back to January and adjust customer balances based on the lowest billing amount during that timeframe.

According to Rice, some residents were allegedly being double billed, which he said was contributing to people refusing to pay their bills.

“A lot of people have been double billed and it’s causing the city to collect no money,” Rice said during the meeting.

Rice also questioned whether adjusting water bills could impact any potential claims involving the former clerk. Mayor Luckett stated it would not.

Alderman Steve McDonald pointed out that the city technically has enough money available to pay the upcoming water bill, but doing so would nearly drain the account.

McDonald said paying the bill would leave the city with approximately $100 remaining, while Rice later stated the balance would specifically be around $69.48.

Board members also discussed concerns involving possible leaks, busted pipes, and ongoing water loss issues throughout the system.

Alderman Janet Baker noted that water bills are not due until the 10th of the month and expressed hope that corrected balances and incoming payments could help improve the city’s financial position before the next meeting.

Rice also raised concerns regarding payroll for the city’s public works employee, Gary. Rice questioned whether payroll expenses legally needed to come from multiple accounts.

City Attorney Lee Elliott advised the board that because the employee does not perform water-related work, payroll could legally come from a single account.

Throughout the discussion, Mayor Luckett repeatedly referenced efforts to “work magic” regarding the city’s water bill and possible adjustments.

Rice later responded directly.

“I can’t vote to approve bills based on working magic,” Rice said.

Ultimately, the board postponed action on the wholesale water payment until the next meeting.

The board also discussed the search for a new city clerk.

City Attorney Lee Elliott referenced an ordinance allowing the city to appoint a temporary clerk for up to six months. Elliott cited Ordinance 130.230 during the discussion.

Alderman Janet Baker expressed support for the idea of probationary periods for future hires.

Officials stated the city currently has two active resumes under consideration, but the discussion was tabled until the next meeting so officials could determine whether both applicants remained interested.

Elliott also advised the board to review ordinances related to minimum pay and required hours for the city clerk position.

The board additionally moved forward on its Community Development Block Grant project, selecting Cochran Engineering out of Wentzville as the city’s engineer pending negotiations and further action.

During additional infrastructure discussions, Mayor Luckett stated that approximately $42,000 had been paid to Mike Henry since January 2025 for leak repairs.

Officials also discussed issues involving water pressure allegedly being raised too high during previous work, which they said contributed to additional leaks within the system.

Elliott stated he intends to pursue claims against company bonds related to the work.

The city’s ongoing budget situation was another major topic during the meeting.

Elliott told the board that Missouri law requires municipalities to maintain a budget, although he stated courts historically have not enforced those requirements.

He recommended the city hold a formal budget hearing in the near future.

“We definitely need a budget meeting,” Rice responded immediately.

Mayor Luckett later described the current situation facing the city in blunt terms.

“This is the most trying time this city has seen in its entire history,” Luckett said.

Officials also briefly addressed concerns involving accessibility and the condition of a city hall ramp. Mayor Luckett stated the rear entrance to city hall would remain open for individuals unable to safely use the current ramp until an engineer can inspect the issue.

In unrelated discussion, officials mentioned that Silex Bank is expected to relocate around Memorial Day.

The next Silex Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026.

Coverage supported by Xpert Group Contracting.

---

Residents with questions, corrections, or tips can contact Lincoln CountyWatch by calling or texting 636-377-0201 or emailing tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com.

Lincoln CountyWatch is an independent news organization and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Story by John Eads