The Joplin City Council convened a special meeting at 5:00 PM on September 23, 2026, which immediately adjourned to a closed session to discuss employee matters. Following the closed session, the Council held the second budget work session to review "Issues and Options" for the FY2027 budget and provide direction to staff for the October 19th budget adoption. The council discussed and voted on several financial items, including funding requests from the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Joplin Alliance, the spending plan for the new police and fire sales tax, facility security improvements, and a travel policy for council members.
Chamber of Commerce & MoCAN Partnership Request (Issue 1): Chamber CEO Betsy Mentz, along with Brendan Dungan and Amy Kaufman, presented a request for a 5% funding increase from $312,000 to $353,850. They highlighted economic development metrics for the region, including 166 business retention visits and a pipeline of 25 coded opportunities. Council members Cortez, Moran, and Bard praised the presentation and the return on investment, with several members stating their full support for the increase. Council member Cortez called it "one of the best" presentations for an "ask" he had seen.
Downtown Joplin Alliance Contract Renewal (Issue 2): Lori from the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) requested a renewal of the public service agreement for three years at $75,000 annually, up from $50,000, with a cost of living adjustment in subsequent years. She discussed DJA's work on historic preservation, business support, and events, noting over $80 million in private investment downtown in the last five years. Council members discussed challenges facing downtown, including homelessness and vacant large buildings. Council member Cows pressed for concrete assistance for businesses struggling with safety issues, while Council member Jackson inquired about strategies for large empty spaces and a potential downtown CID. Council member DeTar emphasized the importance of a vibrant downtown for economic development.
Consultant Spending Review (Issue 3): Staff presented a summary of consultant expenditures totaling $1.5 to $2 million annually. Council member Moran questioned whether the city could hire more in-house staff rather than using consultants. City Manager Edwards explained that consultants provide specialized teams and flexibility, and that the high spending is partially tied to successful grant acquisition (ARPA, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). The council agreed to consider a future work session on analyzing internal staffing economies of scale relative to consultant costs.
Police and Fire Sales Tax Spending Plan (Issue 4): A major portion of the meeting focused on the spending plan for the new half-cent sales tax. Leslie Haas presented a plan that prioritized wage adjustments, followed by phasing in additional personnel (9 officers, 6 firefighters through 2031), new apparatus (ladder truck, rescue truck), and the replacement of Fire Station 3. A significant debate ensued regarding the timeline for hiring compared to capital expenditures. Council members Price and Jackson argued that the promise to voters focused on immediate staffing and public safety, criticizing the phased approach that delays full hiring until 2031. Council member Cows stated that "people matter over stuff" and prioritizing capital over staffing was a concern. Council member Cortez and City Manager Edwards provided historical context, noting that recruitment is a long-term challenge and that the pay-as-you-go model prevents unsustainable debt. The council acknowledged that the chiefs were consulted on the priority list. The plan was approved 8-1.
Council Travel Policy and Budget (Issue 5): Staff recommended increasing the travel and conference budget from $2,000 to $18,000 ($2,000 per member). Council member Cows praised the benefits of conferences for professional development and regional collaboration. Council member Price raised a point about the lack of mileage reimbursement when council members drive personal vehicles instead of a city van. The council approved the budget increase and directed staff to explore a policy for mileage reimbursement with prior approval.
Facility Security Improvements (Issue 6): Staff presented three high-priority facility upgrades: the Health Department storefront counters ($150k), moving the police community office from the basement to the first floor of City Hall ($650k), and enclosing Human Resources for privacy ($400k). City Manager Edwards recommended funding all three through a one-time use of fund balance (Option 3), arguing that costs would only increase if delayed. Council member Koppel suggested prioritizing the police relocation and HR roof over council chamber security improvements. Council member Cortez pushed to finally address the HR roof after years of requests. The motion to approve Option 3 passed unanimously.
Golf and Pool Discounted Fees (Issue 7): Staff proposed offering free green fees on the second Tuesday of each month for veterans and twilight free golf on weekdays for city employees, as well as 50% discounts on pool season passes for both groups. The measure was approved unanimously.
Good evening. We'll call this uh special city council meeting to order for Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026. Uh Madam Clerk, reading of the special call. Notice is hereby given at the City Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri will hold a special meeting beginning at 5 o'clock PM on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 in the fifth floor council chambers, 602 South Main Street to discuss the topics below. Okay, roll call, please. Mr. Bard. Present. Mr. Koppel. Present. Mr. Cortez. Present. Mr. Cals. Present. Mr. Ditar. Present. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Moran. Present. Ms. Price. Present. Mayor O'Brien. Present. We have one item under new business to go into closed session. Madam Clerk. Vote to go into closed session, which shall pertain to hiring, firing, disciplining, or promotion of an employee or particular employees of a governmental body involving personal information as set forth in section 61021, subsection three of the revised statute of Missouri as amended 2020. More specifically for the purpose of evaluating certain council employees. This meeting record and vote to be closed to the extent provided by law. The City Council shall adjourn at the end of the session. Mayor. The Chair would entertain a motion. Mayor, Mr. Cortez. I make a motion that we adjourn to close to close session. Second. We have a motion by Mr. Cortez, the second second by Mr. Jackson to adjourn to close session. Please vote. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Cobble.