Casey Council Approves Major Equipment Purchase, Awards Tree Removal Contracts

The Casey City Council authorized the purchase of a $191,537.50 hydro-vac truck and awarded contracts totaling more than $40,000 for tree and stump removal projects during Monday’s meeting, while also addressing dangerous property conditions at two locations.

The council unanimously approved purchasing a used 2014 Freightliner hydro-vac truck from Key Equipment, with the final cost of $191,537.50 reflecting a trade-in credit. The specialized equipment will serve all city departments and represents a significant infrastructure investment that Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs had previously indicated would be included in appropriations planning.

Tree and stump removal projects received council approval after competitive bidding produced multiple proposals. Effingham Tree Service won the tree removal contract with a bid of $31,700, beating Arborist Tree Service’s $32,400 proposal. For stump removal, Tanner Glidewell with Country Custom Fencing secured the contract at $10,099, underbidding Maulding Excavating ($10,998) and Effingham Tree Service ($14,000).

The council also approved hiring four summer help workers: Corbin Bennet, Brady Rhoads, Luke Overbeck, and Fred Thomas, as the city prepares for increased seasonal workload including the annual cleanup scheduled for June 7-14.

Property enforcement took a significant step forward with the council approving two resolutions declaring properties dangerous and unsafe. Resolution #042125B addresses 12 E General Robey, while Resolution #042125C covers 206 W Alabama. These actions provide legal foundation for the city to address problematic properties that pose safety or health hazards.

The resolutions come amid ongoing enforcement efforts, with resident George Drum asking about ordinance violations and officer patrolling during the public forum. Police Chief Adam Henderson previously reported issuing approximately 60 notices in February, with about half requiring follow-up citations.

Labor relations continued progressing with the council’s unanimous approval of a tentative agreement with the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Union following a 36-minute executive session. This represents the second union contract approved in recent weeks, following the ICOP agreement approved at the April 7 meeting.

Community development initiatives advanced with Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee presenting a funding support resolution for fiscal year 2026 community projects. He also reminded officials and residents about the comprehensive plan kickoff meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Infrastructure projects continue advancing with several key developments. The valve structure for the park pond project was expected to arrive Tuesday with installation planned for this week. Sidewalk bids will be opened April 28th, and lead and copper sample letters are being mailed to residents this week for water quality monitoring.

The water and sewer rate study, a ongoing concern since January, will be discussed at a Public Utility Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, potentially moving the city closer to addressing identified financial shortfalls in utility operations.

Emergency preparedness improvements continued with EMA Director David Craig reporting that two of three sirens have been programmed to county systems, with work continuing on the third unit.