Council Approves School Resource Officer Renewal and Water Main Easement
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.”
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case
U.S.-EU trade deal includes ceiling for European pharmaceutical imports
Supreme Court allows Trump to block DEI funding
Trump to probe Smithsonian museums for ‘woke’ ideology
Director: Nation’s largest outdoor ag show brings economic impact to central IL
Personnel cuts to national intelligence office will save taxpayers $700 million
Redistricting would split cities, counties throughout CA
Pritzker: Fair maps in Illinois would be ‘disarming’ to Democrats
NY appeals court overturns Trump’s civil fraud penalty
Casey Police Department to Add New Officer
States sue over Victims of Crime Act grant funding
White House backs off hefty EU tariff threats, EU eliminates industrial tariffs