South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CENTRALIA CITY COUNCIL

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met for a Public Hearing to discuss the 2025 Budget in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Kuder called the Public Hearing to order at 5:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Kuder; Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez; Council Member Allen; and Council Member Jackson

Absent: None

Staff Members Present: William Smith; City Manager; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Lt. Trent Timmons, Police Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Bill Agee, Treasurer; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

City Manager Smith stated that the workshop was held on November 25th where the Department Heads were able to present their projects and budgets. He presented the City of Centralia’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025, stating that it was developed by the City’s management as a financial plan for operation of the City. He added that the budget for the upcoming year is balanced, meaning that appropriated expenditures do not exceed the amount of resources which will be available. He stated that the budget outlines the total anticipated revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. He noted that the 2025 projected revenues met or exceeded 2025 appropriations within the General Fund and the special revenue funds were evaluated individually with expenditures within each reflecting the needs and priorities for the upcoming year. He reported that the City’s intended use of the funds includes two large capital projects including the raw water line and the water treatment plant. He stated that a conservative approach to the 2025 budget was taken. He stated that the strategic missions and goals within each General Fund department have been highlighted within the budget document. Department directors were at the forefront of developing missions and goals for the upcoming year. The directors were then charged with budgeting expenditures to reflect said mission and goals and ensure that the City’s overall mission is being carried out. Fiscal Year 2025 will once again be centered around the continued progress of the largest project in the City’s history with the construction of a new water treatment plant. This project, as well as the raw water line project, will take up a lot of the City’s resources in 2025 and 2026. He noted the excitement surrounding the project and its completion. He stated that the budget includes a revamped recreation department with Mr. Galen Mahle taking the opportunity as the City’s new Parks & Recreation Director which will enhance the City’s recreational leagues and options for the City’s youth. He stated that the City is also equally as excited to purchase and install the new playground equipment at Fairview Park which is being purchased through the OSLAD grant.

He stated that some of the other changes in services provided includes the City taking on yard waste services in 2025 and offering residents the ability to request large item and bulk pickups twice a month at no additional cost. The City will also continue its investment in public safety through the City’s Police and Fire departments. He stated that payroll and pensions are large expenditures within the budget. He also noted that the budget is predicated on another half percent sales tax increase in the future. He stated that this was passed in 2024 with a freeze on the levy and expects to do this once again in 2025 rather than adding to the property taxes.

Discussion included Council Member Allen questioning the pension costs and the ability to meet the amount needed in 2025. City Manager Smith stated that this is the goal, but the pension costs have been an ongoing issue for a long time. He referred to the goals the actuary has suggested. Council Member Castellari discussed the requirements of the City meeting the obligations of particular percentages set. City Manager Smith stated that copies of the budget are available for the resident’s review. Council Member Fontanez commended the City Manager for the budget and City Manager Smith thanked the staff that have constructed and prepared the budget. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact him or his office.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Joel Brooks expressed his appreciation for the City’s support of the youth center. With no further discussion a motion was made by Council Member Jackson to adjourn the Public Hearing. The Motion Carried and the meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/6916