Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for March 2, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | March 2, 2026

The Casey City Council met on Monday, March 2, 2026, to address a variety of financial and legislative items. The meeting was highlighted by the approval of a new 1% municipal grocery tax to replace the expiring state tax and the formalization of an agreement with the local school district for a School Resource Officer. The Council also voted to rename a street in honor of Jim Bolin and discussed upcoming fiber internet construction.

The meeting concluded with a move into executive session to discuss the lease, purchase, or sale of property and pending litigation. No action was reported following the closed session.

Brief Title: High Utility Bills Expected
Mayor Mike Nichols warned the Council and the public that utility bills this month will reflect a significant increase in the PGA (Purchased Gas Adjustment) rate. “The PGA gas rate is quite a bit higher this month,” Nichols said. He explained that while the city hedges 75% of its gas rates, the remaining portion is subject to market fluctuation. Nichols noted the rate jumped from the usual $3-$4 range to approximately $7 or $8. “We just be thankful that… the whole 100% isn’t at the higher rate,” Nichols added.

Brief Title: February Bills and Treasurer’s Report Approved
The Council approved the payment of bills for February 2026 totaling $1,086,734.41. Clerk Jeremy Mumford presented the bills, and despite the high total, the motion passed 4-0. Additionally, Treasurer Gail Lorton presented the collection deposit report for February, which totaled $827,332.91. Lorton noted that with interest and other income not listed on the utility-only report, the city is “running pretty close to even on the month even though we did have more expenses.”

Brief Title: Early Start for Budget Process
Alderman Jeremiah Hanley requested that the Finance Committee begin its work earlier this year to avoid the rush experienced during the previous budget cycle. “Last year we got… having multiple meetings in a week to try to meet deadlines,” Hanley said. Mayor Nichols agreed, proposing that the committee begin meeting the week of March 15. The budget must be approved by July 31.

Brief Title: Parade Planning and Economic Development
Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee reported on his recent attendance at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs conference. He noted a push to secure state funding for the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority similar to funding received by Chicago-area land banks. Daughhetee also announced that registration forms and informational letters regarding the city’s upcoming parade will be mailed out this week to local businesses and neighboring communities.