The Casey City Council addressed major economic development, housing, and infrastructure topics at its August 18 meeting, highlighted by the announcement that the city has officially joined the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and secured an Illinois EPA grant. These moves are aimed at giving the city new tools to combat housing blight and plan for crucial sewer expansion. For more details on these initiatives, see our full story.

In another significant action, the council authorized legal proceedings against two properties deemed “dangerous and unsafe,” continuing its efforts to remediate dilapidated structures. More information on the specific properties and the legal steps being taken is available in our detailed coverage. The council also approved plans and funding for the popular “Candy Canes on Main” holiday event and authorized the hiring of a new police officer.

City Explores Options for New Municipal Building
The search for a new home for city operations is ongoing, as council members continue to evaluate potential properties. Superintendent Shelby Biggs reported that he recently gave city employees a tour of the “gold building,” which they felt was an “ideal municipal building.” Following that update, Alderman Marcy Mumford requested a tour of the Charles Industries building on the south side of town to see if that property could also be a viable option for the city.

MFT Budget Adjusted
The council unanimously approved a supplemental resolution for its 2024 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) fund. City Clerk Jeremy Mumford explained the resolution adds $2,000 to the budget. The initial resolution was for $119,000, but actual spending slightly exceeded that amount at just over $120,000. The supplemental resolution reconciles the difference and closes out the 2024 MFT accounting.

Alderman Reports Overgrown Property
Alderman Lori Wilson raised concerns about property maintenance, pointing to an overgrown “weed patch” with untended bushes at the entrance to town owned by the Comfort Inn. The issue prompted a brief discussion, with City Attorney Tracy Willenborg noting that other communities have adopted specific “nuisance greenery” ordinances to regulate unmaintained trees and bushes that create sight-line issues or encroach on public ways.

Tanner Brown Leads Meeting as Mayor Pro Tem
Alderman Tanner Brown presided over the council meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. He was appointed to the role at the start of the meeting to serve in the absence of Mayor Mike Nichols.

Council Approves Past Meeting Minutes
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved the minutes from two prior meetings. The approved documents included the minutes from the regular City Council meeting on August 4, 2025, and the special meeting held on August 14, 2025.