The Joplin City Council met on August 18, 2025, for a regularly scheduled meeting that included a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, approval of a TIF redevelopment project for a new movie theater, and several other routine items. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Area Agency on Aging, which reported serving over 98,000 meals in Joplin since 2024.
Maurice Philson (citizen) addressed the council, urging the city to utilize its drone for traffic enforcement. He cited speeding on St. Louis Avenue and Main Street, and suggested drone-based tag reading would generate revenue and improve safety. He also requested 25 mph speed signs on his block and expressed frustration that previous requests had not been acted upon.
Public Hearing on FY2026 Proposed Budget: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition; the hearing was closed.
Public Information Officer Report: Lynn announced upcoming community events: the Joplin Route 66 Balloon and Kite Festival (August 29–31 at the old Joplin 66 Speedway), a Mom and Son Date Night (ages 3–12, $50 per couple), and the annual city surplus auction (September 13, 2025, with viewing from 8–9 a.m.). The city’s e-newsletter and social media were highlighted.
FY2026 Budget Presentation: Finance Director Leslie Haas presented a detailed overview of the proposed $191.4 million budget, down from $213.4 million in FY2025 due to the conclusion of ARPA and BIL grant projects. Key revenue projections include $56.4 million in sales taxes (flat compared to 2025 estimates) and $7.2 million in use tax. Capital expenditures drop from $99.2 million to $53.5 million. The budget includes nine new positions and a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees (estimated cost $652,000), step increases ($442,000), and increases in LAGERS rates. The general fund is balanced at $43.3 million in both revenue and expenditures, with public safety consuming 45.5% of the general fund.
Council members discussed several aspects:
Emergency Ordinance – DHHS Contract: Health Department Director Talkin presented a contract renewal with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for $20,192 (down from prior years) to fund a shared emergency planning position. The ordinance passed on emergency basis (8-0).
Financial Interest Disclosure Ordinance: Council Bill 2025-005, re-adopting the code of ethics and opting out of state-level filings, was passed on first reading and advanced to second/third (8-0).
TIF Activation for B&B Theater: Council Bill 2022-525, approving redevelopment project 4 of the 32nd Street TIF district for a movie theater, was taken off the table and passed on second and third reading (8-0), activating the TIF as the theater nears opening.
Surplus Property Declaration: The council approved a preliminary list of 355 surplus items for the September 13, 2025 auction (8-0).
Call to order the meeting of the Joplin City Council for Monday, August the 18th, 2025. Mrs. Nosh. Eternal God, as we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you invest in this body your strength and wisdom to fortify us and guide us so that we may enhance the prosperity of our community and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Amen. Amen. Mrs. Carlin, you have some special guests guests with us this evening. I'd like to invite the Area Agency for Aging to come forward. Tonight we're um we're welcoming the area agency on aging to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And this agency has been serving our senior population since 1950 since 1979. Services are available to persons 60 years of age or older who live in Barton, Jasper, Newton, or McDonald counties. Now their purpose is to provide services, programs, and information that help seniors to maintain their independence and their dignity, but they really do so much more. Um since 2024, this agency has served over 98,000 meals in the city of Joplin, both communally and at home. So they also uh one I think is very interesting. One thing is very interesting, they also offer a lot of services to seniors, like Medicare Counseling, book deliveries in cooperation with the Joplin Public Library, extra groceries, bringing them in home services, scam and fraud education, and lots of recreation little things, bingo pool, and also they are they do so much more than I really knew about in terms of home care giving services. So tonight we just want to thank you so much for your service to our senior community in Joplin and welcome you to lead us in the pledge. Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands on my nation, under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you, Joplin Area on Agency on Aging. That is an honor for you guys to be here with us this evening. Uh we love when we get the reports from your organization as well. Thank you for the work that you do. You have a wonderful, beautiful facility. If you are a senior and you're watching this, I encourage you to get out there on 26th Street and go by and visit that facility. You will not be disappointed. Thank you guys. Have a good evening. Roll call. Mr. Bard, present. Ms. Carlin, present. Mr. Koppel. Present. Mr. Ditarr. Present. Dr. Farnham. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Lawson. Present. Mr. Shaw.