Casey Approves Major Park Recreation Project, Hires Firm to Find New Utilities Chief

The Casey City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive park recreation project costing up to $339,041.78 at Monday’s meeting, moving forward with improvements that will enhance the city’s recreational facilities.

City Clerk Jeremy Mumford presented cost estimates for the project totaling $289,948.05, well under the approved spending limit. The project includes multiple components with work divided among several contractors and city staff.

“The total cost of the project is $289,948.05. The total amount we have to spend is $339,041.78,” Mumford told the council. The project includes asphalt work from NeCo, painting and nets from Courts and Cracks, fencing from BJs Fencing, with electrical work to be completed by city staff.

The council also approved hiring Arndt Municipal Support to conduct an executive search for the city’s next Utilities Superintendent. The recruitment firm will help find a replacement for Shelby Biggs, who announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025, at the previous council meeting.

The executive recruitment agreement received unanimous approval from all six council members present, with the city selecting “Option 1” from the firm’s service packages. The specific terms and cost of the recruitment services were not detailed in the meeting discussion.

In addition to the major park project, the council approved a $27,360 electronic gate installation at the utility building. Century Fence will provide the new security gate, which will improve access control at the municipal facility.

The council also moved forward with seeking state funding for road improvements, approving an engineering agreement with Dalmo Company to help apply for an Illinois Department of Transportation grant. Dallas Richardson, who presented the arrangement, will work with Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee on the grant application.

The meeting addressed several ongoing projects, with Superintendent Biggs reporting that Effingham Tree Service has two more trees to remove before completing their contract. Wallace Concrete is scheduled to begin sidewalk construction at the end of June, and the city’s new Hydro Vac truck was delivered Monday.

The council also approved Resolution #051925A authorizing the city’s July 4th parade, continuing the annual Independence Day celebration tradition.

Monday’s meeting included a 12-minute executive session to discuss a possible property purchase, though no action was taken following the closed-door discussion.