Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025

Overall Meeting Summary
The Casey City Council met on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, to handle a variety of end-of-year business, headlined by the adoption of the city’s new Comprehensive Plan and a decision to draft legislation raising utility reconnection fees. In addition to these legislative moves, the council focused on community service, announcing a $2,000 donation to the local VFW and including a letter of support for the organization in this month’s utility bills.

Operational adjustments were also made, with Ryan Staley appointed to replace Shelby Biggs on the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) and Illinois Public Energy Agency (IPEA) boards. The meeting concluded with the council entering an executive session to discuss property acquisition and collective bargaining matters.

News Briefs

Moonshine Solar Grant for Park Lights:
Alderman Marcy Mumford announced that the city has received an $18,600 grant from the “Moonshine Solar Farm people.” The funds are designated for installing lights around the walking path at Fairview Park. Mumford noted that an engineer is currently working on a schematic to ensure the new lighting complements the existing infrastructure without duplication.

VFW Donation and Support:
Mayor Mike Nichols reported that the city included a letter of support for the VFW in the recent utility bill mailing, which has already generated calls from veterans in Effingham and Marshall offering assistance. Additionally, City Treasurer Gail Lorton identified available funds, allowing the city to donate $2,000 to the local VFW post to support their operations.

Staley Appointed to Energy Boards:
The council unanimously approved Ordinance #596 and Resolution #120325A, appointing Public Works Director Ryan Staley to the Board of Directors for both the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) and the Illinois Public Energy Agency (IPEA). Staley replaces Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs in these roles. Biggs and Staley are scheduled to attend an IMEA board meeting immediately following the appointment.

Police Enforcement Update:
Chief of Police Adam Henderson reported that recent ordinance violation cases heard in court during December have largely been resolved, with follow-ups scheduled for January. Mayor Nichols commended the Chief and City Attorney Tracy Willenborg for their aggressive stance on nuisance properties, noting he recently received a call from the Newton Police Chief asking for advice on how Casey is successfully “cleaning up” the town.

Bills and Treasury Report:
The council approved the bills payable for November 2025, totaling $1,555,717.72. Treasurer Gail Lorton noted the high amount was partly due to transfers of Certificates of Deposit (CDs). The council also approved the Treasurer’s Collection Report for November, which showed total collections of $682,671.61.

Water and Sewer Certification:
Superintendent Shelby Biggs and Director Ryan Staley met with EJ Water Corporation to discuss contracting certified operators for the water and sewer plants while Staley completes his certification process. Biggs estimated it could take less than a year for Staley to obtain water certification and up to three years for sewer certification.

Snow Removal Commendation:
Public Works Director Ryan Staley praised city crews for their performance during recent snow events. He reported that staff worked significant overtime to ensure streets were cleared effectively. “We were ready for it this time and the guys did a really good job,” Staley said.