Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for August 4, 2025

The Casey City Council met Monday to approve its annual spending plan, address blighted properties, and discuss impending utility rate increases driven by inflation and a shrinking customer base.

The city is facing significant financial pressure on its self-sufficient utilities, with the electric fund alone losing $495,000 last year. Mayor Mike Nichols said rate increases are necessary due to rising costs and the loss of 200 households over four years. A vote on an electric rate hike was tabled for further study, but water and sewer rate increases are forthcoming.

The council passed a $33.27 million appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year. The large figure is inflated by pass-through federal funds for the airport and potential grants. The plan includes major funding for extending utilities across I-70 and $293,750 for demolishing unsafe buildings.

Casey is escalating its efforts to clean up blight, declaring a property at 607 E. Madison Ave. dangerous and unsafe, which could lead to a court-ordered demolition. The council is also considering a new ordinance to hold parents financially responsible for vandalism committed by their children.

The search for a new utility superintendent to replace the retiring Shelby Biggs has been narrowed to five candidates, with interviews scheduled for mid-August. The city hopes to have the new hire in place by October 1 but is navigating the challenge that no finalist is certified in both water and sewer.

Pickleball Court Delayed: The new pickleball courts at the park may not be ready by Labor Day as hoped. Fencing is not expected to be delivered until mid-August, with the court painter to follow. The project’s original completion goal was October 1st.

Park Maintenance Concerns: Aldermen raised concerns about the quality of contract mowing at the city park, citing damage to walking paths and missed spots. Mayor Mike Nichols said he would review the contract. Alderman Lori Wilson also reported that a drainage ditch on the southwest side of town is severely overgrown and needs attention.

Pond Gate Valve a Success: The new gate valve installed at the city pond successfully prevented water from backing up into Southeast Park during a recent heavy rain. The pond’s water level, which had been lowered due to past algae problems, is now back to a normal, aesthetically pleasing level.

Community Events Approved: The council approved resolutions to allow for temporary road closures on Route 49 for two upcoming events on Saturday, August 30th: the CIA 5k race in the morning and the Popcorn Festival Parade later in the day.

Land Bank Membership Nears: Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced that the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority will vote on admitting the City of Casey as a member on August 14th. Membership will provide the city with another tool to deal with abandoned and derelict properties.

Free Downtown Concerts: Two free concerts are scheduled for downtown Casey in mid-August. Mitch Faulner will perform on Friday, August 15th, followed by country-rock band American Honey on Saturday, August 16th.