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
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims
Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process
Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker pushes for E15
Clark County Ambulance Service Faces Critical Level Zero Instances Amid Medicaid Collection Issues
Trump addresses nation on Iran strikes; signals conflict nearing end
IL biometrics privacy reforms apply to past cases, too: Appeals court
Artemis II heads to the moon with first crewed mission since 1972