Silex Board Meets for First Time in Months — Funding Concerns, Water Shutoff Risk, and Heated Discussions
- John Eads
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Silex, Mo — For the first time in months, the Silex Board of Aldermen met with a quorum, and the conversation quickly turned to one issue: money — or the lack of it.
The meeting marked Alderman Janet Baker’s first since the April 7 election and was held at Silex School instead of City Hall due to safety concerns with the building’s ramp.
Several key figures were in attendance, including Superintendent Nick Heggeman, EMA Director Quentin Laws, Presiding Commissioner Kaiman, Sheriff Rick Harrell, and dozens of residents.
The meeting opened with approval of previous minutes, passing in a 3-1 vote, with Alderman Holcomb voting against.
Attention then shifted to city bills.
When Mayor Luckett asked for a motion to pay outstanding bills, Alderman Rice responded, “We don’t have the funding to pay all these bills,” and moved to table the motion.
Discussion followed about the city’s legal authority to spend money without an approved budget. Alderman Rice then moved to adopt the city’s profit and loss as a working budget moving forward.
Mayor Luckett also addressed issues with the city’s water billing, stating, “Every account has some charge that was double or excessive.”
The financial situation tied directly into the most urgent issue facing the city — its water supply.
Silex receives water from Pike County, which voted last week to shut off service by May 1 if nearly $20,000 in outstanding payments and late fees are not paid.
Mayor Luckett stated the city has paid over $25,000 since January toward water and leak repairs, but residents questioned where current funds stand.
During the discussion, Superintendent Nick Heggeman noted that the school’s water bills alone since January totaled nearly the full $20,000 now owed. He pointed out that if little to no other revenue had been collected, those funds should still be available, raising further questions about where the money has gone.
A local resident, Ed, also pressed the issue, pointing out that if bills had not been paid due to a lack of meetings, then funds should still be sitting there. Mayor Luckett maintained that without board approval, bills could not be paid, leading to a circular and at times tense discussion.
Ultimately, the board approved moving funds to address the water bill in a 3-0 vote, with Alderman Holcomb abstaining. Mayor Luckett indicated she would personally deliver payment.
However, even after reallocating funds, nearly $20,000 in other unpaid bills remain.
A local business owner, who said she has been part of the community for over 33 years, spoke up and noted that financial struggles are not new to Silex, saying the city has long dealt with ongoing money shortages.
Efforts to find solutions continued.
Alderman Rice shared that he had spoken with a bank about a possible loan, but requirements would include multiple individuals committing to attend meetings and ensure repayment. A bank representative in attendance confirmed that issuing loans to municipalities can be difficult due to legal and financial limitations.
Discussion also touched on the possibility of selling assets, but it was stated that most available assets have already been sold.
In another major development, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced it will cancel its current contract with the city.
Sheriff Rick Harrell made it clear the decision was not a punishment, but rather a way to help the city reduce costs it cannot currently afford. The contract, which provided additional patrol coverage for approximately $3,000 per month, will end.
Sheriff Harrell emphasized that emergency 911 services will not be impacted, but residents may see less routine patrol presence moving forward.
When asked about a payment plan for roughly $9,000 already owed to the sheriff’s office, county officials indicated they would work through the details.
Sheriff Harrell stepped in twice during the meeting as discussions became tense, though the overall tone remained controlled, with residents clearly seeking answers.
Additional business included approval of Phase 3 of the sewer project in a 3-0 vote, with Alderman Holcomb abstaining, and a unanimous 4-0 vote to certify the April 7 election results.
The board also approved hiring Lee Elliot as city attorney, who offered to take the position at no cost. The vote passed with Alderman Baker and Alderman Rice in favor, Alderman McDonald voting no, and Alderman Holcomb abstaining. Elliot had previously served as city attorney.
Mayor Luckett also addressed overtime and staffing concerns, requesting pre-approval for overtime. Alderman Rice raised the idea of reducing public works hours to 32 per week, citing financial strain, while Alderman McDonald pushed back strongly against the idea.
Discussion also included the city hall ramp, which has been deemed structurally safe but not ADA compliant. Community members stepped forward offering to donate materials and assist in bringing the ramp up to compliance.
The meeting concluded with acknowledgment that difficult decisions remain ahead. With the water deadline approaching and significant unpaid bills still outstanding, the city faces immediate financial pressure.
A special meeting has been scheduled for May 6.
If you have any corrections, additional information, or tips regarding this situation, contact Lincoln CountyWatch by calling or texting 636-377-0201 or emailing tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com. We are not law enforcement, but we work to keep the community informed as accurately and responsibly as possible.
This story was written by John Eads.
Sources: Attendance and reporting from the Silex Board of Aldermen meeting, statements from city and county officials.