City hears audit results

The Fairbury City Council Finance Committee held a short meeting just before the regular City Council Meeting Wednesday.

A representative from the accounting firm of MCK CPAs & Advisors presented the results of the external accounting audit done for the city. The auditor reported that the audit results were excellent, and the City of Fairbury achieved the highest rating available for municipal audits. During the regular city council meeting, the Council then approved the audit results.

Mike Mellott, Water Department Superintendent, reported that the levels of the wells that supply the City of Fairbury's water are reaching very low levels due to the recent lack of rain. He is monitoring these levels very closely, and if the drought continues, it may be necessary to impose some water use restrictions on city residents.

The City Council approved several requests for new equipment. A request by the Water Department for a new underground locator was approved. The Fire Department's request for new hoses, new hydraulic hoses for extrication rescue equipment, and pagers was also approved.

During the Public Comment portion of the regular city council meeting, Deb Moran announced that the next disaster planning session will be held on November 17 at 6:00 PM. Usually, guest speakers provide the program for these community disaster planning sessions. For the November meeting, local parties, including SELCAS, the Fairbury Police Department, and the Fairbury Fire Department, will be giving presentations.

City Superintendent Brett Ashburn recently attended an advisory conference for small towns organized by Jason R. Bunting, the State Representative of Illinois' 106th House District. Brett was able to learn how other towns are dealing with some of their common issues.

The Zoning Committee had previously met and approved a request to rezone 401 W. Walnut from residential to commercial. The City Council followed the recommendation of the Zoning Committee and approved this change.

Council members voted to approve joining the IPWMAN group for mutual aid for disasters. This group coordinates aid for major municipal emergencies.

Another request by the PCHS Wrestling Team for a 5K fundraiser on November 15, starting at 9:00 AM at the Baptist Church parking lot, has been approved. The 5K will continue from the Baptist Church to the North Park parking lot using the walking trail.