Joplin City Council Meeting - August 18, 2025

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.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was finalized and approved unanimously (8 in favor, 1 absent) after no requests for removal or public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 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.

Discussion Items

• 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:

  • Mr. Detar asked clarifying questions about discrepancies between revenue/expenditure totals across fund summaries; Haas explained the differences are due to transfers and component units.
  • Mr. Jackson expressed concern about the practice of allocating use tax into separate silos (following voter promises) rather than keeping it unrestricted, citing a Missouri Supreme Court ruling. He argued that a major unforeseen expense could strain the city. City Manager Edwards responded that they intend to follow through on voter promises before considering changes.
  • Mrs. Carlin asked about contingency plans if revenues fall short (e.g., 5% down). Haas noted the importance of fund balance and a 25% contingency, as well as past practices of cutting capital or freezing vacancies.
  • Mr. Koppel questioned why the COLA adjustment ($652,000) was nearly 50% higher than step increases ($442,000). Haas explained step increases are based on anniversary dates and affect only partial years. Koppel then raised a serious concern about wages for certain positions (cook, court assistant, custodian, transit dispatcher) starting at $13.92/hour, which will be below the $15/hour minimum wage effective January 1, 2026. He also argued that firefighter compensation, based on a 56-hour workweek, does not reflect the mental and physical toll of the job, and called for a real plan to address low pay. Mr. Edwards agreed that conversations are needed.

• 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).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (8-0).
• FY2026 Budget public hearing held; no public testimony; budget work sessions scheduled for September 22.
• Emergency contract with DHHS approved (8-0).
• Financial disclosure ordinance adopted on first reading, advanced to second/third (8-0).
• TIF redevelopment project 4 activated for B&B Theater (8-0).
• Surplus property list approved for auction (8-0).
• Closed session authorized (8-0) to discuss personnel matters; council adjourned to closed session.