Casey City Council Reviews Infrastructure Projects, Unsafe Properties and Economic Development
The Casey City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 5, 2026. Mayor Mike Nichols and City Clerk Jeremy Mumford were absent. Treasurer Gail Lorton called the meeting to order, and Tanner Brown was nominated to serve as mayor pro tem.
Public Comment
Mike Shackleford addressed the council on behalf of the Casey Masonic Lodge regarding National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 19.
Shackleford discussed the history of the annual wreath-laying observance, which began in 1992 and gained national attention following the circulation of a 2005 photograph taken by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi at Arlington National Cemetery.
Three locations in Casey are participating in the program: the Masonic Lodge on Main Street, Casey Cumberland Cemetery and Washington Street Cemetery.
The lodge has established a goal of 250 wreaths for this year, with 84 sponsored or funded through donations as of the meeting.
Wreath sponsorships cost $17 each. The lodge will coordinate sponsorships and donations through the national organization, receiving $5 for each wreath sponsored through its program.
Shackleford emphasized that the effort is not intended as a fundraiser for the lodge. Instead, the organization has committed to reinvesting the $5 it receives per wreath into additional wreath sponsorships to maximize participation.
Trick-or-Treat Hours
The council approved official trick-or-treat hours for Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Additional Emergency Management Agency (EMA) personnel will be scheduled during the event.
Dangerous or Unsafe Properties
The council approved two resolutions addressing properties determined to be dangerous or unsafe following inspections by Equity Enterprises:
- Resolution #100526B: 205 E. Van Buren Ave.
- Resolution #100526C: 107 E. Jefferson Ave.
City Attorney Tracy Willenborg explained that property owners will receive notice requiring them to correct the unsafe conditions or provide a plan for remediation.
If property owners fail to comply, the city may seek a court order requiring corrective action or authorizing the city to undertake the work and place a lien on the property.
Willenborg emphasized that remediation does not necessarily mean demolition. The objective is to bring properties into a safe condition and into compliance with applicable codes.
The discussion also addressed circumstances involving residents who may be unable to maintain safe living conditions or make decisions necessary to protect themselves.
Willenborg explained that the city has encountered cases involving occupied homes that had deteriorated to dangerous conditions. In such situations, officials have attempted to assist affected residents in identifying alternative housing rather than simply removing them from their homes.
The city has compiled information about local landlords and available housing options to help residents facing displacement. Willenborg noted that the city continues to work with individuals and their representatives to find appropriate solutions when possible.
Public Works
The council approved a payment application totaling $249,422.99 for the sewer portion of the Interstate 70 utility extension project.
B&T Drainage, Inc., has completed directional boring work associated with the interstate crossing and installed a substantial portion of the gravity sewer line connecting to an existing manhole south of McDonald’s.
The council also approved the purchase of a vehicle for the Street Department equipped with snowplow, spreader and dump-truck capabilities. Officials noted that the purchase had already been included in the city budget.
Economic Development
Sewer Relining Project
The council approved Resolution #100526E, supporting an application for financing through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Pollution Control Loan Program.
Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee explained that the financing would support the city’s sewer relining project, which received federal community project funding with assistance from Congressman Mike Bost.
The project requires approximately $250,000 in matching funds. Daughhetee said other municipalities have used IEPA loans to satisfy similar matching requirements.
He noted that the loan program offers favorable financing terms, including a 1% interest rate and the possibility of principal forgiveness. Depending on the terms ultimately approved, the city could be responsible for repaying considerably less than the full $250,000.
Industrial Site Readiness
Daughhetee also reported on recent discussions with site selectors seeking potential commercial and industrial locations in Illinois.
Although Casey was not selected for the state’s Site Readiness Grant, he said the city’s application scored well and that feedback from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity identified opportunities to strengthen future applications.
One recommendation was to pursue state vetting of available development sites, which could improve the city’s competitiveness in future grant applications.
The process could also increase visibility for Casey’s available properties by placing them in state resources used by site selectors evaluating potential development locations.
“Ultimately it’s to our advantage to have those out there,” Daughhetee said, explaining that greater visibility would help prospective developers identify sites available for future projects.
Emergency Management
EMA Director Craig reported that installation of two new warning sirens was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, with additional system installation work planned for Thursday and testing expected Friday.
Once the new sirens are operational, the existing south siren will be officially taken out of service.
Committee Report
Carleen Richardson reported on a committee meeting held before the regular council session.
Discussion included concerns about the local feral cat population. Richardson indicated that she would contact a veterinarian to explore possible options.
Additional Approvals
The council also approved the following:
- Minutes of the September 21, 2026, council meeting.
- September 2026 bills paid totaling $1,089,357.93.
- A printer lease agreement with Watts Copy Systems.
- Resolution #100526D: Tax Abatement.
- Ordinance #656: 2026 Tax Levy.
- September 2026 Treasurer’s Collection Deposit Report totaling $667,683.30.
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