Council Approves School Resource Officer Renewal and Water Main Easement

Spread the love

City Council of Casey Meeting | February 17, 2026

Article Summary: The City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Casey-Westfield School District to retain the School Resource Officer (SRO) position. Additionally, the Council secured a vital easement to proceed with a water main extension project.

Public Safety and Infrastructure Key Points:

  • SRO Renewal: Officer Jason Metzler will continue as the SRO, with the school district paying half of the salary.

  • Agreement Updates: The new agreement includes updated language regarding state-mandated training requirements.

  • Easement Secured: Ordinance #609 was approved to acquire an easement from the Simpson family for a water main crossing.

  • Project Impact: The easement allows the city to move forward with water infrastructure work across Interstate 70.

The Casey City Council on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, acted to secure both public safety and infrastructure improvements by approving a School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement and a utility easement.

The Council voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Casey-Westfield School District to maintain the SRO program. Police Chief Adam Henderson confirmed that Officer Jason Metzler acts as the current SRO. The financial terms remain consistent with previous years, with the school district covering half of the officer’s salary. Chief Henderson noted the agreement was updated to reflect new state mandates regarding officer training.

On the infrastructure front, Public Works Director Ryan Staley requested approval for Ordinance #609. Staley noted the ordinance title required an amendment from “sewer extension” to “water extension.”

The ordinance authorizes the acquisition of an easement from Cindy, Kyle, and Brandon Simpson. Staley explained that this easement is critical for running a water main across Interstate 70.

“They’re the only easement we’re waiting on,” Staley said. “So really we could move forward with that portion of the project.”

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Pritzker signs cryptocurrency bills, sparking debate over protection, innovation

Pritzker signs cryptocurrency bills, sparking debate over protection, innovation

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two sweeping digital currency bills touted as a win for consumer protection has critics warning Illinois...
Illinois quick hits: Deadly smash and grab reported; resolution honors Charlie Kirk

Illinois quick hits: Deadly smash and grab reported; resolution honors Charlie Kirk

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Deadly smash and grab reported A man is dead after a crash involving an alleged smash-and-grab burglary crew on Chicago’s Magnificent...

WATCH: Sides lay out positions on immigration reform amid increased enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Amidst continued immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration in Chicago, the debate about immigration reform continues....

Feds, ‘new sheriff’ descend on Chicago suburb, seize illegal vaping items

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal authorities say they are just getting started after announcing in Illinois that they have seized millions...
WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026

WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of...
Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County

Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk The Illinois Freedom Caucus says members are “devastated and horrified” by the murder of conservative radio and...
dennis-redman-1757435208

Dennis Eugene Redman, 81

Dennis Eugene Redman, 81, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on September 21, 1943, to Victor Pearl Redman and Hazel...
leeila-ennis-1757424671

Leeila S. Ennis, 78

Leeila S. Ennis, 78, of Westfield, Illinois, passed away surrounded by family and friends in her home at 1:00 p.m. on September 8, 2025. She was born on February 8,...
Illinois quick hits: DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville; NFIB optimism index rises

Illinois quick hits: DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville; NFIB optimism index rises

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville A major raid in a Chicago suburb has led to the seizure of hundreds...
Customs and Border Protection seizes $86.5 million in illegal vapes

Customs and Border Protection seizes $86.5 million in illegal vapes

By Brett Rowland | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure Wednesday of 4.7 million illegal e-cigarette products with an...

WATCH: Pritzker says political violence ‘has got to stop’ in reaction to Kirk shooting

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Popular political activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while at a public...
IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce

IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has yet to announce plans for reelection in 2026, an...
Brian-Ridgley-1757345674

Brian Keith Ridgley, 64

Brian Keith Ridgley, 64, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 6:39 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care, Terre Haute, Indiana. He was born...
Roberta-Decker

Roberta May Decker, 91

Roberta May Decker, 91, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 7:07 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 25, 1934, the daughter of...
James-Brewer-1757085923

James Alan “Jim” Brewer, 65

James Alan "Jim" Brewer, 65, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Heartland Nursing and Rehabilitation, Casey, Illinois. He was born November 20,...