Members of the Fairbury City Council approved employee health insurance for 2023 during Wednesday night’s regular meeting at City Hall.
It is still manageable, according to Mayor David Slagel, with around an 11 percent increase for the plan currently offered. City Treasurer Dale Diller noted there is a second plan with a higher deductible that puts more burden on the employees.
“We can offer both and give employees the choice between the two,” said Diller.
Alderman Jon Kinate made the motion to approve the health insurance coverage options for employees.
A police contract agreement was approved with the Village of Forrest which goes for the next three years. Forrest approved it at a previous board meeting. The motion was passed by a vote of 7-0 by the Fairbury council.
Christmas bonuses were authorized for employees and are the same as last year. Full-time workers will receive $225 with part-timers receiving $150.
The 2022-2023 Tax Levy Ordinance was approved. It is a $965,000 levy for the city’s portion which represents about a $30,000 increase but the tax rate will go down because of the equalized assessed value.
During council comments, Alderman Steve Endres expressed concerns over the condition of U.S. Route 24 through town as he observed patches with potholes.
“I’m sure there are more patches going bad,” stated Endres.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said the state claims Fairbury is in its five-year plan to work on the highway.
“Our Route 24 through town is just one huge speed bump,” added Endres.
Alderman James Tipton asked about the status of the old hospital building and if anything is happening with it. Ashburn said the they need to check on it again.
Ashburn passed along a thank-you message from Gomez Landscaping for the opportunity to maintain the city planters this year.
“I thought they looked really good this year,” noted Ashburn.
Next year, the city will go out for bids again for the landscaping work and Mayor Slagel suggested a stipulation that no business signs be allowed for advertising.
In another matter, Ashburn updated the council on the status of new employees. Utility billing clerk Jessica Wenger started last week and Richard Engel started as a new driver for the Street Department.
A request from Wendy Edelman was granted to operate Woody & Bubba’s BBQ truck at 101 E. Locust on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the Fairbury council:
-Tabled an intergovernmental agreement with Dominy Library.
-Adopted a resolution for the Illinois Municipal League to collect and distribute the Foreign Fire Insurance License Fee.
-Approved the meeting schedule for 2023.
