City budget approved

Attorney Matt Schrock administers the oath to Aldermen Bruce Weber, Bill Schmidgall, Jerry Hoffman, Jim Tipton and Mayor David Slagel during Wednesday's Fairbury City Council meeting.

Following the swearing-in of newly elected officials, the Fairbury City Council got right to work on Wednesday night.

Mayor David Slagel and Aldermen Bruce Weber, Bill Schmidgall, Jerry Hoffman and Jim Tipton were all reelected in the recent election and administered the oath by City Attorney Matt Schrock.

The city fiscal budget for 2025-2026 was approved.

“Overall, it’s still a surplus,” explained Treasurer Dale Diller. “The sewer is still a little under but that’s because of paying off the loan for the most part.”

Schmidgall made the motion to approve the budget.

An agreement was approved to combine two separate platted lots into one. The two parcels of land are being joined since the owner wants to construct a building across the area.

“It’s really just a precautionary measure protecting both parties,” said City Attorney Schrock.

Quotes were approved for two handheld radars for the police department. This will allow the department to have one in each car.

“We want to take funds from DUI restricted funds for the purchase,” noted Police Chief Robert McCormick.

In another police related matter, an agreement was approved between the city and Illinois Council of Police, also known as ICOPS. This is the union contract which covers officers. Each contract is for three years and then terms are renegotiated for the next few years. This was the renewal year.

A road closure request was approved for the annual Customer Appreciation “Pig-Out” at Dave’s Supermarket on Tuesday, June 10. The closure is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

The council granted a request from the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury to reserve Sunken Park on Sunday, June 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free music event.

A return-to-work policy was approved. The city’s IML insurance requires all of their constituents to pass this policy.

During his report, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn noted all four basketball hoops are now up at Marsh Park and waiting to get painted. Grand opening dates will be announced for the memorial basketball courts in honor of Drew Fehr and Dylan Bazzell.

Ashburn said it will be later in the season than initially thought for Route 24 work from IDOT. In fact, it could be late July or early August.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they do the sidewalks this year and come back and do the road next year,” added Ashburn.

The consent agenda was approved, which included April 16 minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.

In other business Wednesday, the Fairbury City Council:

-Approved an ordinance for the Fairview Haven Planned Unit Development.

-Authorized a quote for VFD Drive for the wastewater plant.

-Approved a quote for replacement of UV bulbs for wastewater treatment.

-Approved program and resolution funds for the 2025 MFT general maintenance program.