Joplin City Council Special Meeting – August 10, 2026

The Joplin City Council held a special meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, beginning at 5:45 PM in the fifth-floor council chamber. The meeting focused on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and a transit routing alignment project. Council members present included Mr. Bard, Mr. Cortez, Mr. Cows, Mr. DeTar, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Moran, Ms. Price, and Mayor O'Brien. Mr. Koppel was excused. Council heard presentations from City Manager Nick Edwards, Finance Director Leslie, and Transit Director Gina, and reached consensus on several actions.

Discussion Items

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Presentation

• City Manager Nick Edwards and Finance Director Leslie presented the proposed FY2027 budget, totaling just over $170.7 million, with an additional $8.6 million expected from the half-cent police and fire sales tax (Proposition Police and Fire) that will be included in the adopted budget after an issues and options session.
• The budget is built on an economic outlook of slow growth (GDP ~2%), inflation returning to normal, stable but quiet job market (unemployment 4.5%), and slow interest rate cuts. Revenue assumptions include a 2% increase in sales tax, 3% use tax, 5% marijuana tax, and a 13% decrease in interest income.
• Overall revenue is decreasing nearly 8% over the 2026 adopted budget, driven by a 44% drop in grant revenue (ARPA funds ending). Expenditures are down nearly 8%, with capital expenditures decreasing over 21%.
• The general fund operating budget is balanced, but staff noted that future revenue growth may not keep pace with expenditures. The proposed budget includes a 2% COLA effective November 1 and step increases on anniversary dates, funded from base budget. No new positions are added except a part-time administrative assistant for the city clerk's scanning project.
• Council members discussed the general fund revenue/expenditure gap, reserve policy (unrestricted fund balance), unfilled positions (35 full-time openings), personnel expense increases due to COLA and step increases (excluding Proposition Police and Fire), and the process for handling encumbrances (to be addressed in November resolution).
• Mr. Moran requested a work session to revisit council priorities before budget sessions. Mayor confirmed consensus to schedule that discussion.

Transit Routing Alignment Project

• Transit Director Gina, along with staff, presented a proposal to expand the current three fixed trolley routes to five new routes (Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green), increasing coverage from 60+ to 120+ stops. The routes were developed in-house using driver input, ridership data, and street drivability assessments.
• Key features: The Red route splits the busiest corridor; Pink and Purple serve Freeman West as a transfer point; Blue remains a historical loop to Missouri Southern; Green serves industrial parks and Crowder College area.
• Capital request: One new 14-passenger bus with wheelchair capacity (cost $135,000, 85% FTA reimbursement => city share $20,250). The bus is already included in the proposed budget. Staff noted a 150-day lead time after ordering.
• Council members expressed strong support. Mr. Moran praised driver professionalism and ridership growth (70,000+ riders since relaunch). Ms. Price questioned Medicaid reimbursement potential and driver workload, noting the city does not currently bill Medicaid for eligible trips, and recommended exploring a part-time position for reimbursement filing. Mr. Jackson raised concerns about driver fatigue and suggested studying part-time driver positions.
• Staff (Gina and Terry) acknowledged workforce challenges and noted they have also looked at Medicaid reimbursement but need a full-time position for that role. Council consensus was to direct staff to return with options on part-time drivers and a formal analysis of Medicaid reimbursement feasibility.
• Consensus was also reached to proceed with the public hearing process for the new routes (required by FTA), with staff to bring back exact bus cost details for council approval of the purchase order.

Key Outcomes

• Consensus to Advance Transit Expansion: Council gave a two-thumbs-up (consensus) for staff to begin the FTA public hearing process for the proposed five-route system and to return with a firm bus purchase cost for approval.
• Direction to Explore Staffing and Reimbursement: Council asked staff to bring back options for part-time driver positions and a thorough review of Medicaid reimbursement for MAPS (demand-response) and fixed-route services, with the goal of improving driver workload and potentially generating revenue.
• Set Public Hearings: Council voted unanimously (8-0) to set a public hearing for the FY2027 proposed budget on August 24, 2026, and a separate public hearing for the property tax levy on the same date.
• Closed Session Authorized: Council voted unanimously (8-0) to adjourn into closed session to discuss personnel matters as permitted by Missouri law (Section 610.021(3)).

Note: The meeting was a special meeting, and no consent calendar or public comments were presented.