Casey City Council Awards Sidewalk Contract, Approves Utility Rate Increases

The Casey City Council unanimously approved awarding a $62,502 sidewalk construction contract to Wallace Concrete at Monday’s meeting, accepting the low bid from among several proposals reviewed by city staff.

Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs recommended the council accept Wallace Concrete’s proposal for the sidewalk project, which received unanimous support from the five council members present. The project details and timeline were not specified in the meeting discussion.

The council also moved forward with plans to increase water and sewer rates following a Public Utility Committee meeting on April 23. Alderman Lori Wilson, who chairs the committee, reported that the committee decided to recommend rate increases, though specific amounts were not disclosed during the meeting.

“They are going to recommend we raise water and sewer rates,” Wilson told the council. “She will get the numbers to Attorney Willenborg who will then put them in ordinance form for approval.”

The rate increase proposal will return to the council in ordinance form at a future meeting for final approval. City Attorney Tracy Willenborg will draft the specific language and rate amounts based on the committee’s recommendations.

In other business, the council approved routine financial matters including $895,771.02 in April bills and a treasurer’s collection deposit report totaling $451,126.10. The council also approved fiscal year 2025 transfers and set the Assistant Collector’s salary at $36,560.

The meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected officials for four-year terms beginning May 1, including Mayor Michael E. Nichols, City Clerk Jeremy Mumford, Alderman Lori Wilson for Ward III, and At-Large Aldermen Carlene Richardson and Marcy Mumford.

Superintendent Biggs announced several ongoing city projects, including a tree removal project beginning Wednesday and the expected delivery of a new Hydro Vac truck. He also reminded residents about the citywide cleanup scheduled for June 7-14.

The council meeting lasted just over an hour, adjourning at 7:02 p.m. with Alderman Jeremiah Hanley absent.