Casey Council Considers Utility Rate Increases After Audit Reveals Losses

The Casey City Council is moving toward potential utility rate increases after a recent audit revealed the city is losing money on its water and sewer operations, officials announced during Monday’s council meeting.

Alderman Wilson, reporting on behalf of the Public Utility Committee’s January 20 meeting, told the council that the audit review showed significant financial shortfalls in the city’s water and sewer funds. The committee is now seeking professional assistance to address the problem.

“After the Audit review, we are losing money in our Water and Sewer funds,” Wilson reported. Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs recommended the city obtain a free rate study from the Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA) to determine appropriate pricing levels.

The committee plans to tackle utility rates systematically, starting with water and sewer services before moving to gas and electric rates. “They will then look at the gas and electric rates once we have the water and sewer rates set,” according to the meeting minutes.

The potential rate adjustments come as the city approved $564,187.90 in bills payable and processed a treasurer’s collection deposit of $575,064.92 during routine financial business.

In other developments, the council spent 23 minutes in executive session discussing litigation matters. The closed-door session, which ran from 6:16 to 6:39 p.m., was held pursuant to state statutes allowing private discussion of legal issues.

Mayor Mike Nichols also updated the council on ongoing ICOP (Illinois City Officers Program) negotiations, though he provided no specific details about the discussions. He promised to keep council members informed as negotiations progress.

Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee reported positive developments in regional cooperation efforts, announcing a successful initial meeting with the Clark County Development Organization. The group is working to revitalize county-wide economic development initiatives.

“They had a good first meeting. They are looking to get this started back up to help the County as a whole,” Daughhetee told the council.

EMA Director David Craig announced that the Casey Senior Center would serve as a warming center for residents needing shelter during upcoming cold weather.

The meeting was notably brief compared to recent sessions, with no unfinished business, aldermen reports, or mayor’s report presented. The council adjourned at 6:41 p.m. after conducting only essential business.

Alderman Hanley was absent from the meeting, with the remaining five council members handling all business unanimously.