Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for November 03, 2025

Spread the love

Casey City Council Meeting | November 03, 2025

The Casey City Council addressed property blight, approved major financial items, and moved forward on key city projects during its first meeting of November. The council passed resolutions to begin the process of condemning unsafe properties at 704 E. Monroe and 219 S. Central, while also celebrating the successful redevelopment of a property at 306 SE 1st Street by releasing a reverter clause. For more details on these actions, see the full story.

Financially, the council approved over $2.45 million in bills, a figure that included a $1.5 million internal fund transfer, and renewed approximately $1.6 million in CDs at a 4.25% interest rate. For a complete financial breakdown, see the full article. The city’s comprehensive plan update is nearly finished, with a public hearing set for the next council meeting ahead of a planned December 1 adoption. Plans for a remodel of the City Hall front office were also finalized and will soon be put out for bid.

Public Works Update
Director of Public Works Ryan Staley reported that work has begun on the property at 204 S. Central, and city-wide stump removal is scheduled to start this week. Crews are also working on a sidewalk project on Main Street and have started putting up Christmas lights. The city park has been winterized for the season.

Halloween Events Deemed a Success
Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee praised the success of recent Halloween festivities. He gave special recognition to Leslie Duniphan of Simple Blessings for the scarecrow program, which raised $1,500 for the local VFW. He also thanked EMA Director David Craig and Police Chief Adam Henderson for ensuring safety during trick-or-treating and Patty Richards for organizing a “fantastic” costume contest.

Shallow Well Inquiry
An alderman raised a question on behalf of a resident about city ordinances regarding the digging of a shallow well for the purpose of watering exotic plants sensitive to chlorinated city water. Mayor Mike Nichols said the city did not have an immediate answer but would have City Attorney Tracy Willenborg research the legality and requirements.

EMA Volunteers to Receive Safety Training
Mayor Mike Nichols announced that he has arranged for the same instructor who provides safety training to utility crews to offer a flagging and safety certification class for EMA volunteers. EMA Director David Craig said several volunteers had already expressed interest in the training, and a date for the two-hour class will be set soon.

Business District Report Requested
An alderman requested an updated financial report from the city’s business district. Council members noted they are still working on finalizing eligibility requirements for the use of business district funds. City Treasurer Gail Lorton will prepare the requested report.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois’ new paint fee takes effect, with critics calling it another burden on taxpayers

Illinois’ new paint fee takes effect, with critics calling it another burden on taxpayers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new statewide fee on paint products adds a small charge to each container sold as...
Pritzker decision looms for energy bill 'on ratepayers' backs'

Pritzker decision looms for energy bill ‘on ratepayers’ backs’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated support for energy legislation awaiting his signature, but small business owners are...

WATCH: Use of National Guard debated in U.S. Senate as Illinois case lingers

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While the use of the National Guard remains on hold in Illinois, pending a legal challenge, the...
Illinois quick hits: Senator's deferred prosecution deal approved; Indiana Senate votes against new maps

Illinois quick hits: Senator’s deferred prosecution deal approved; Indiana Senate votes against new maps

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Senator's deferred prosecution deal approved U.S. District Court Judge Andrea Wood has approved a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve the bribery...
Judge: CHA lawyers must pay $59K for citing ChatGPT-created cases

Judge: CHA lawyers must pay $59K for citing ChatGPT-created cases

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Lawyers who defended the Chicago Housing Authority in a case that resulted in more than $32 million in judgments to two families...
Biggs retirement

Casey Officials Honor Utilities Superintendent Shelby Biggs at Retirement Celebration

Article Summary: City of Casey officials and employees gathered for a surprise retirement party to honor Superintendent of Utilities Shelby Biggs, recognizing his 30 years of service to the municipality....
Op-Ed: Your kids now belong to the Chicago Teachers Union

Op-Ed: Your kids now belong to the Chicago Teachers Union

By Mailee Smith | Illinois Policy InstituteThe Center Square Students who can’t read and secrecy from parents – that’s just part of the legacy of Stacy Davis Gates during her...
Illinois quick hits: Former police chief convicted of bribery; man sentenced for fraud

Illinois quick hits: Former police chief convicted of bribery; man sentenced for fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former police chief convicted of bribery A federal jury has convicted a former Summit, Illinois police chief of bribery offenses for...

WATCH: Chicago mayor: ‘Wicked’ people want chaos; critics rip mayor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The mayor of Chicago has expressed his opposition to an alternative budget proposal from the city council....
WATCH: Chicago mayor warns of budget ‘chaos,’ end-of-life options bill on gov’s desk

WATCH: Chicago mayor warns of budget ‘chaos,’ end-of-life options bill on gov’s desk

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides highlights from...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double, But Warriors’ Rally Stalls in Loss to OHPHS

CASEY, Ill. — The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased a spirited second-half defensive effort and received a double-double performance from senior Lucy Moore, but a difficult shooting night ultimately proved too much to...
Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors battle past Cumberland for road win

Featured Photo Caption: Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double in Casey-Westfield Loss to Robinson

The Casey-Westfield Warriors faced a high-powered Robinson squad, falling 62-34 in a contest where offensive production proved difficult to match. Despite the loss, senior standout Lucy Moore delivered a commanding...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for Dec. 3, 2025

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Casey City Council met on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, to handle a variety of end-of-year business, headlined by the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Council Moves to Increase Utility Reconnect Fees to Curb Non-Payment

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: To discourage habitual non-payment of utility bills, the Casey City Council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would...