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.