Council Hires EJ Water for Certified Operator Services

Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025

Article Summary: The Council approved agreements with EJ Water to provide certified oversight for the city’s water and wastewater systems while the new Public Works Director completes necessary licensing.

Contract Key Points:

• Cost: The city will pay $1,500 per month for wastewater services and $1,000 per month for water services.

• Scope: EJ Water will visit the site twice weekly and sign off on EPA compliance documents.

• Duration: The agreement is a three-year contract but includes a 30-day cancellation clause for when internal staff becomes licensed.

The Casey City Council on Monday, December 15, 2025, voted to enter into professional service agreements with EJ Water to oversee the city’s water and wastewater compliance.

The decision follows the retirement of Superintendent Shelby Biggs, who held the necessary certifications for the city’s systems. Current Director of Public Works Ryan Staley is in the process of obtaining his licenses but requires a certified operator to sign off on Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents in the interim.

“We need one on staff, or on call, to be able to do this stuff so we can keep things flowing smoothly,” Mayor Mike Nichols explained.

The Council unanimously approved Resolution #121525A for wastewater operator services at a cost of $1,500 per month, and Resolution #121525B for water system operator services at $1,000 per month.

Staley explained that the contract includes two site visits per week to ensure all operations meet EPA regulations. He noted that the contract is flexible, allowing the city to terminate the agreement with a 30-day written notice once he obtains the required licensure.