Water Bills, Arguments, and Then Smiles — A Different Night in Silex
- John Eads
- May 12
- 3 min read
Silex, Mo. — Monday night’s Silex Board of Aldermen meeting started tense and heated at times, but by the end of the night, something felt different inside City Hall.
After months of controversy, arguments, and division surrounding city finances, water bills, and leadership issues, officials who normally find themselves on opposite sides of discussions were laughing, smiling, and openly trying to work together by the end of the meeting.
Mayor Lynne Luckett, Alderman David Rice Jr., Alderman Billy Holcomb, Alderman Janet Baker, and Alderman Steve McDonald were all present alongside city attorney Lee Elliot.
One of the first major votes of the night was appointing a new board president.
David Rice Jr. was appointed board president in a 2-1 vote. Alderman Holcomb voted no while Alderman McDonald abstained.
Tom Moore later addressed the board regarding the city’s technology and communication systems. Moore explained he has continued donating his IT services to help the city improve communication and organization.
He stated he would continue helping the city “whether that takes three months or three years.”
The board later approved upgrading the clerk’s computer operating system and memory for approximately $358.98 in a 3-1 vote with Holcomb voting no.
The board then moved into discussion involving the city clerk position.
Christi Ray, who has attended several recent meetings hoping to obtain the role, addressed the board regarding her qualifications and experience. However, discussion revealed the position had changed from its originally advertised full-time role at $23 per hour to roughly 30 hours per week at $20 per hour.
The hiring decision was ultimately tabled so another candidate who could not attend Monday night could still interview.
One of the more emotional moments of the night involved resident Ed once again appearing before the board over frustrations tied to his water bill.
While the meeting continued, Christi Ray quietly worked with Ed in the back of the room reviewing billing information. Later in the meeting, Ed returned and stated the discrepancy had finally been located and corrected down to the penny.
Mayor Luckett confirmed credits had already been applied to the account.
The most heated discussion of the night centered around delinquent water bills.
Board members discussed how the city has not disconnected water service or enforced late fees since COVID. Several officials stated the city can no longer continue operating that way financially.
Alderman Rice pushed for shutoffs to begin June 10. However, concerns were raised about giving residents enough notice before enforcement resumes.
The board ultimately deadlocked 2-2 on immediately implementing shutoffs, forcing Mayor Luckett to cast the deciding no vote. Officials stated letters will now be mailed to residents explaining upcoming changes before late fees and shutoffs resume in the near future.
The city also approved two loads of gravel for street work, approved a new safe deposit box after the local bank announced changes to its facilities, and discussed moving away from city credit cards toward debit cards only.
Discussion also continued involving ongoing Sunshine Law litigation, future water rate studies, fundraiser ideas, and efforts to revive community events including the city’s fall festival.
Even The Lincoln County Journal’s Greg Olson was in attendance Monday night. Near the end of the meeting, Olson jokingly stated that “in the spirit of giving,” he had printer paper he would donate to the city.
By the end of the meeting, the atmosphere inside the room had noticeably changed.
People who normally avoid each other were talking.
People who usually disagree were laughing.
And for the first time in quite a while, it felt like Silex may finally be starting to move forward together again.
Watch the full meeting here: https://youtu.be/duw1ZxuFvoU
Story by John Eads
Lincoln CountyWatch
Lincoln CountyWatch is an independent news organization and is not affiliated with any government entity.
Comments