South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Nov. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

WORK SESSION MINUTES OF THE CENTRALIA CITY COUNCIL

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday November 25, 2024, for a Work Session to discuss the 2025 Operating Budget. Mayor Pro Tem Jackson called the Work Session to order at 5:30 p.m.

Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jackson, Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, and Council Member Allen

Absent: Mayor Kuder

Staff Members Present: William Smith, City Manager; Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Captain Gelsinger, Fire Department; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Bill Agee, Treasurer; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

City Manager Smith stated that this meeting is a workshop with an overview of the proposed budget from the department heads. He stated that it is a balanced budget. He stated that the department heads developed their goals and missions for the upcoming year to ensure overall mission of the City is carried out.

Chief Locke's presentation focused on the enhancement of technology, replacement of aging vehicles, improving community and police relations and public safety with particular attention to focusing on recruitment and retention. A significant part of the plan includes new tasers with increased distance capabilities, along with virtual reality (VR) training that will be implemented. This VR system will be available to officers 24/7 with in-house training. Council Member Fontanez expressed his interest in the VR training equipment, and Chief Locke emphasized its importance for officer training.

In the Economic Development discussion, Director Derek Sherman in addition to operating and administrative expenses he provided an update on the Jolliff Bridge Business District budget discussing the sales tax collected in that district. Other topics included the Enterprise Zone budget, and its administrative costs. The airport’s budget was discussed including the utility and capital improvements, such as maintenance of the fuel tanks. He provided information about the Tourism budget and the revenue from the hotel-motel tax, with inclusion of the recommendation to allocate more funds towards marketing efforts. Council Member Allen emphasized that businesses would continue many events and discussion involved encouraging local businesses to take over some events as well. The TIF district was also a topic of interest, particularly regarding professional service charges, façade loans, and extension of TIF #3. He also reviewed the existing redevelopment agreements and the anticipated expenditures in 2025. He also discussed grant funds received and expected, including the grants to fund improvements at the airport, downtown, and park improvements. He noted plans for a new boat dock at Raccoon Lake in 2025.

Departmental budget review of the Public Works Department was reviewed by Director Schwartz. He stated one of the focuses is the railroad crossing at the Industrial Park and the Sanitation Department’s plan to utilize city crews for services, while CWI will continue to handle trash collection. Upgrades in equipment including lawnmowers, vehicles, and temporary staff hiring was discussed. An overview of the shop budget was provided noting the staff member that continues to assist with all of the city’s needs including the maintenance and repairs of the fire and police department vehicles. Council Member Castellari reviewed the overtime costs in the department compared to outsourcing the services. The MFT projects such as Orchard East and oil-chipping in 2025 were reviewed. He discussed the plans for fish stocking at the lakes and the intention to refurbish the dock being removed from Raccoon Lake to utilize at Centralia Lake. The Water Plant was highlighted as a major project along with the raw water line at Boulder. He noted the annual sludge removal costs as well. He explained the rising cost of parts across the departments that have affected the budget. He stated that the Sewer budget outlined plans for a new SCADA system set for completion in 2025.

The Community Development budget, presented by Director Gayla Harting, noted an increase in animal control and mowing costs in 2024 due to over 200 properties being mowed by the city through a contract. She noted that in 2024 there was also a purchase of a new vehicle and the demolition of the Hickory Street Church that was part of the major expenses. She stated that the IHDA grant will fund more demolition projects in 2025 and there will be staffing changes with a retirement expected at the animal shelter. She reported that the Preservation Board will be involved in the 11th year of the Locust Street Fair in 2025. Council Member Allen clarified the operation of the shelter and the use of part time animal control staff.

In the Fire Department budget, Captain Gelsinger emphasized the need for vehicle replacements and updated equipment to improve responsiveness. He noted the large portion of the budget being spent on pension contributions and how the overtime costs have risen due to injuries. He stated that the department anticipates the retirement of two officers in 2025 that will have separation costs, along with increased travel and training expenses for new hires. He noted building improvements, including a roof and lean-to are planned, with the costs to be covered by anticipated grants. Captain Gelsinger also outlined plans to rotate command staff vehicles and replace outdated trucks, including retiring a 1990 pickup truck. Council Member Fontanez inquired about the air tank replacements and Captain Gelsinger confirmed that new air tanks will be prioritized with replacement required by 2028 at an estimated cost of $280,000.00. He noted that grants would be utilized as available, and they continue to pass testing. Mayor Pro Tem Jackson confirmed that the replacement could occur by staggering the replacement over the course of several years.

City Clerk Enke discussed the operational budget of Records, Water and Sewer Administration. She noted that the Clerk’s office budget includes personnel costs for salaries and benefits associated with the Clerk’s Office, utility billing, and administrative positions. This budget supports the operational functions necessary to carry out the duties of the Clerk’s office. Operational expenses cover a variety of needs, including software, computer, and printer/scanner support for programs used by multiple staff members across departments, specifically for water, sewer accounts receivable and accounts payable. Additionally, the budget accounts for a portion of the overall utility and telephone charges for City Hall, auditing expenses, utility billing supplies, and general office supplies for water administration. It also includes funds for website maintenance, as well as for providing online municipal payments and account access for residents via phone, text, online, and mobile app platforms. She also noted that program and service costs within this budget include printing fees for various licenses and permits issued by the Clerk’s office, maintenance and updating of the municipal code and records management, and legal notices and recording fees as required. Networking fees are also included to cover ongoing maintenance and support of the systems. She stated that expenses in 2024 included the completion of the website update and new utility billing access for residents and there are no major expenses in 2025 outside of operational and maintenance expenses. She stated that the goal of the office remains to be transparent and customer service focused.

City Manager Smith stated that with the advice and consent of the Council he was charged with looking at the operation of the recreation department. City Manager Smith stated that it has been determined that the City will operate the recreation department beginning in 2025, and it is reflected in the budget. He stated that Galen Mahle will be charged with the duty of being the Recreation Director. Galen Mahle, who was in attendance, stated that he is excited for the opportunity and looks forward to working with the kids and families of Centralia.

With no further business to discuss the Work Session was adjourned at 6:17 p.m.

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/6811