Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 20, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026

The Casey City Council convened on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a meeting heavily focused on municipal infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, and personnel updates. Beyond passing a 4% across-the-board raise for appointed officials and agreeing to donate a surplus tornado siren to the Village of Westfield, the council spent time in executive session finalizing new hires. The council also heard extensive updates from the Economic Development Director regarding local bicentennial events and future infrastructure grants.

New Hire in Street Department: Following a closed executive session, the council voted unanimously to hire Kaden Hanley to fill an open position within the Street Department. Director of Public Works Ryan Staley noted earlier in the meeting that the department had recently conducted interviews for the full-time street position as well as summer help. The newly approved hire is the son of sitting Ward I Alderman Jeremiah Hanley.

Potential Roundabout Explored: Alderman Lori Wilson requested that the city initiate conversations with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regarding the possibility of installing a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 49 and US Route 40. Wilson noted there have been several accidents at the intersection recently. Because both roads are state routes, the city cannot unilaterally alter the intersection and would require IDOT to conduct traffic studies and provide state funding for any potential modifications.

Mayor Pitches Truck Stops: During his mayoral report, Mayor Mike Nichols revealed he is actively putting together presentation materials to attract commercial developers, specifically targeting truck stops, to build across the interstate. Nichols noted he intends to highlight the massive influx of weekend visitors drawn to the local motocross track. “Any given weekend, there are 2,000 people out there,” Nichols said, praising the track’s management and citing the crowds as a primary economic driver for highway-adjacent retail.

Upcoming Community Events: Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee outlined a busy schedule for May as part of the “Casey Celebrates America” initiative. Following a successful trivia night at the VFW, the city will host a cemetery tour at the Washington Street Cemetery on May 2 at 10:00 a.m. Founders Day activities are scheduled for Saturday, May 9. Additionally, the city is launching a “Patriotic Porches” decorating contest that will run throughout the entire month of May.

Earth Day Cleanup: Alderman Marcy Mumford announced that on Tuesday, April 28 (Earth Day), city volunteers will be teaming up with 60 local fifth graders to clean up the park and the memorial gardens. Mumford encouraged residents driving by to “honk and wave” or stop and join the students in their community service efforts.