Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 6, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | April 6, 2026

The Casey City Council met on Monday, April 6, to push forward multiple high-impact infrastructure and economic development initiatives. The council approved the final land acquisitions required to tunnel the I-70 Sewer Extension project beneath the interstate and signed off on over $175,000 in matching grants to spark major renovations among local downtown businesses. In addition, the council approved a $59,778 five-year contract to equip the police department with modernized Tasers.

Illinois America250 Commemoration Support
The council unanimously passed Resolution #040626B, officially declaring the City of Casey’s support for the Illinois America250 Commemoration, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee and the historical committee have built a robust schedule of local events, including a Trivia Night on April 18 at the VFW honoring Mary Katherine Goddard, a cemetery tour on May 2, Founders’ Day on May 9, and an expanded 35-minute fireworks show planned for July 4.

Avoided Cost Net Metering Rate Established
The council unanimously passed Resolution #040626A, establishing the “Avoided Cost” for net metering for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Mandated by the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the city must set the baseline credit rate given to residents with solar panels whose power is fed back into the city’s grid. The rate for the upcoming fiscal year was set at $0.0728 per kilowatt-hour, based on calculations from the city’s wholesale electric supplier.

March Financials and Bills
The council unanimously approved the payment of the March 2026 bills, which totaled $997,827.63. City Treasurer Gail Lorton also presented the March Collection Report, which totaled $874,642.74. Mayor Mike Nichols noted that when factoring in other outside income sources not handled through the collector’s office, the city functionally “broke even for the month.”

Midwestern Gas Transportation Agreement
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the firm transportation agreement with the Midwestern Gas Transportation Company. Director of Public Works Ryan Staley stated the previous agreement was expiring, and this action simply re-ups the standard transportation contract with the same company for another five years.

Mutual Aid Agreement Tabled
Director of Public Works Ryan Staley introduced a discussion regarding joining the IPWMAN (Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network). The network allows surrounding communities to provide free equipment and manpower during natural disasters for the first five days, with an annual membership fee of just $100. Because the city already holds a separate mutual aid agreement with the IMEA, the council opted to table the issue to allow members time to study the IPWMAN terms and network map before holding a formal vote.

Golf Cart and UTV Stickers
Chief of Police Adam Henderson announced that the city’s new Golf Cart and UTV registration stickers have arrived and are available for purchase. The stickers cost $50, are not prorated, and expire universally on April 30 of every year. Henderson reminded the public that operators must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license, and the vehicles cannot be operated after 10:00 p.m.

Hazardous Tree Removal Outsourcing
Mayor Mike Nichols announced plans to hire private contractors to handle a large backlog of dangerous tree removals across the city. Currently, the city relies on the electric department to handle trees threatening power lines, but Nichols stated that appropriating funds for professional removal will eliminate the liability risk for the city and free up the electric crews for standard maintenance, only utilizing municipal staff for immediate tree emergencies.

Pitching Buc-ee’s
Mayor Mike Nichols informed the council that he is assembling an aggressive pitch packet to send to Buc-ee’s, the massive interstate gas station and convenience store chain. Nichols stated he spoke with a manager at a Gulfport, Mississippi location who indicated the chain is looking to expand into new states. Nichols intends to leverage Casey’s 13 world records, local tourist traffic, and the upcoming motocross events to entice the chain to look at the newly primed I-70 interchange.