Levy and Collection of Fiscal Year taxes authorized

By Kelly Costa

On, Nov. 27, during Monday night’s city council meeting, the council approved the Ordinance authorizing the Levy and Collection of Taxes for the corporate and municipal purposes of the city of Staunton for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024.

In the Treasurer’s Report, City Treasurer, Cindy Pirok, announced that Certificates of Deposit recently purchased at Bank of Hillsboro for seven months at five percent are as follows:

Civic Improvement Fund, $250,000; Infrastructure Fund, $350,000; Reserve Fund, $200,000; Telecommunications Fund, $100,000; and Water Fund, $100,000.

In Public Health and Safety, the city council voted to close Main St. from 3 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 1 until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 for the Holiday Walk activities. This is an amendment to the motion that was made at the Aug. 28, 2023 city council meeting extending the hours of closure.

In Finance and Claims, the city council approved the 2024 Worker’s Compensation Renewal with Illinois Public Risk Fund for $67,150. Policy Period is from Jan. 1, 2024 until Jan. 1, 2025.

In Utilities and Water, the city council voted to seek bids for the Easton St. 12” water main project from Leonard St. to Main St. The council approved a low bid from Gillihan Concrete for sidewalk replacement related to the Franklin/Hibbard water main project for $36,475.

In Personnel, it was agreed upon to hire part time police dispatcher Rebecca Naecker as full time police dispatcher.

In Judiciary, the council approved Ordinance annexing Certain Territory to the city of Staunton located at 1037 N. Easton St. To conclude, the city council waived the first reading of an Ordinance that is a Charity Roadblock by the Staunton High School FFA at the intersection of Main Street and Route 4.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor, Craig Neuhaus; City Clerk, Dennis Stiegemeier; City Treasurer, Cindy Pirok; Police Chief, Jeff Doerr; Alderman, Ryan Machota; Alderman, David Manning; Alderman, David Dias, Alderman, Terry Tipler; Aldermen, Kristy Berg and Matthew McKee; City Attorney, Phil Lading and Public Works Director, Mike Kuethe were absent. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at 7 p.m.