Herculaneum Holds Property Tax Rate Steady, Approves Replacement Police Vehicle
The Herculaneum Board of Alderpersons kept the city’s property tax rate unchanged, approved the purchase of a replacement police vehicle and handled several property related ordinances during its Sept. 21 meeting, while department heads updated the board on street work, emergency services, construction projects, and upcoming community events.
The meeting followed a public hearing scheduled for the city’s 2026 tax levy as well as proposed alley and right-of-way vacations.
Property tax rate remains unchanged
The board approved Bill 2825, Ordinance 18-2026, establishing Herculaneum’s annual property tax rate for real and personal property. During the discussion, city officials said the action is required annually and that there were no changes to the existing rate.
The ordinance passed following a roll-call vote.
The board also approved several ordinances involving city property and easements. Those included vacating an alley extending from Jefferson Street near St. Louis Street, a portion of Meadow Lane, certain utility easements in Lake of the Hills Addition 5 and an alley adjoining Liberty Street.
Vacating an easement removes the legal right previously reserved for the city to use that portion of the property for a specific purpose, such as accessing or maintaining utilities. It does not typically change ownership of the property, but it releases the property from the easement where that right is no longer needed back to the owner of said property.
Officials noted during discussion of the Lake of the Hills easements that the city would retain the easement near the roadway where utilities remain, while easements formerly located between homes were no longer needed.
Another ordinance, Bill 2826, readopted a section of the city’s mobile food vehicle regulations to correct a drafting or clerical mistake in the wording of a previous Ordinance.
Police vehicle to be replaced after crash
One of the evening’s larger purchases involved a new 2026 Dodge Durango for the Herculaneum Police Department.
Police Chief Sharia Kyle said one of the department’s patrol vehicles had been parked while officers were working a call when it was struck by a semi and totaled.
The city moved quickly to secure a replacement while working with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Police officials told the board that a dealer had one vehicle remaining in stock and was holding it pending the city’s decision.
Chief Kyle also told the board that Herculaneum officers recently assisted with Arnold Days and its parade. She said the department tries to assist surrounding municipalities when possible.
Fire Department sees increased calls, truck damaged
Fire Chief Kevin Baker noted that call volumes have been increasing. During the department report, he also told the board that a 2012 fire truck experienced a mechanical failure while Herculaneum firefighters were assisting with a hazardous materials incident in Bonne Terre.
According to Baker, part of the truck’s water pump failed. Because the department was assisting with a hazmat response, he said the city expects to seek reimbursement for eligible personnel, material, and equipment costs associated with the response, which could help offset some of the repair expense.
Baker said the older truck had been sent to the mutual-aid call so the newer apparatus could remain in Herculaneum and help maintain coverage for local calls.
With temperatures beginning to ease, firefighters are also preparing to conduct hose testing that had seen delays due to the extreme summer heat.
Commercial construction moving forward
The city’s building department reported that the McDonald's construction is progressing well and could potentially wrap up around the middle of October.
Officials said contractors had recovered some of the time lost earlier in the project, although material availability remained a factor. During one recent concrete pour, crews placed approximately 127 yards in about four hours, according to the department report.
City officials also thanked the building department for its work managing an increased number of building permits, subdivision matters, property vacations and preparations for upcoming Planning and Zoning business.
Playground groundbreaking and fall events ahead
Herculaneum is also preparing for several community events.
Officials announced that a groundbreaking for the new area of the city playground is planned for Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. The event is expected to feature children participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking along with recognition of those who donated to and supported the project.
An opening for the new playground area could follow around November, depending on construction progress and weather.
The city is also planning a Halloween event on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with residents and organizations able to set up vehicles as part of the festivities.
Officials also reflected positively on the recent “Things That Go” event, with several departments thanking employees and volunteers who helped make it successful.
City website project moving along
The city’s CivicPlus project also continues to advance. Officials said there was approximately a month and a half remaining before they expected to begin rolling out services through the system.
Officials additionally said residents appear to be adjusting to the city’s trash service schedule, including changes that occur when a Monday holiday pushes service to the following day.
The board concluded its open meeting by voting to enter closed session for matters involving litigation, real estate and/or personnel.