Martinsville City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. All members of the council were present for roll call.
Annual Audit Results
Kelsey Swing, CPA, presented the city’s audit for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026. The auditor’s opinion found that the financial statements fairly presented the city’s finances under the modified cash basis of accounting.
The city reported approximately $9 million in assets and $499,000 in liabilities, leaving a total net position of $8.5 million—an increase of $348,000 from the previous year. However, unrestricted net position declined by $761,000 to approximately $3.8 million. Swing cautioned that the city’s results included OSLAD grant money received but not yet spent, making the financial picture appear stronger.
The general fund received approximately $1.4 million and spent $1.5 million. Receipts increased largely because of the OSLAD grant, while spending included substantial capital expenditures, particularly for the public works building. The general fund ended the year with an unassigned fund balance deficit of $138,000, a deterioration of $196,000 from the previous year. Swing noted that the city had exhausted its unassigned reserves.
The water, sewer and gas funds retained what Swing described as healthy reserves. Water and sewer operations recorded a loss of approximately $94,000, while gas operations generated income of approximately $38,000. Utility funds generated $185,000 in cash from operating activities, but financing activities and capital purchases contributed to an overall cash decrease of $519,000, leaving approximately $3.6 million at year-end.
The audit also includes details on capital assets, debt and interfund loans, along with comparisons of budgeted and actual receipts and expenditures.
Treasurer Terri Connelly encouraged council members to review the audit and direct questions for Swing through Connelly or City Collector Jana Spires.
Enterprise Zone Minimum
The council approved a $10,000 minimum investment requirement to qualify for enterprise zone tax abatements.
Halloween Activities
The council set trick-or-treat hours for Saturday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Martinsville Chamber of Commerce’s Trunk-or-Treat will be held that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Martinsville Township Community Center.
Properties Condemned
The council approved ordinances 20260901 and 20260902, declaring properties at 220 West Kendall Street and 602 North Ferrel Street, respectively, unsafe and dangerous.
Snowplow Purchase
The council approved purchasing a new snowplow for the water department’s new truck. Mayor Lovell said the previous plow’s hydraulic cylinders were warped in the fire, preventing its use on the new truck. The city plans to retain and refurbish the old plow for backup use.
Governor’s Office Staff Visit
Mayor Lovell reported on a recent visit from Gov. Pritzker’s staff. He said a follow-up call praised the city’s preparation, including proposed development plans and infrastructure cost estimates prepared by Shannon Woodard.
According to Lovell, approximately $3 million could potentially be awarded for property and infrastructure.
Lovell also reported that Chapin Rose, who recently met with Casey officials, was planning a tour of Martinsville within the next month or so. Home developers working with the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority were scheduled to visit Martinsville on October 21.
Business, Park and Utility Updates
Lovell said two businesses interested in opening in Martinsville were looking for space.
He also reported progress on painting the splash pad and preparing for fencing around the pickleball court. Sand installation and leveling at the volleyball court were awaiting drier conditions. Construction of the trail around the park would likely wait until spring.
A project to replace the gas line running north of Martinsville, beneath the interstate and out to Crown with a larger line was scheduled to begin October 14. Lovell also reported that the gas department had installed a new manifold on Union Street and that the pressure increase went well.
Fall Cleanup
Council discussion indicated that participation in fall cleanup was lower than the previous year, with reports of nearly empty dumpsters. Jana Spires said notices had appeared on utility bills and Facebook. She also reported receiving two calls requesting pickup.
Veterans Memorial Park Lighting
Wendy Isbell raised concerns about lighting at Veterans Memorial Park after dark. Discussion included the possibility of installing a solar lamp post.
Parks Staffing
Parks Committee Chair Harley Craig reported on the committee meeting held before the regular council session. The committee discussed having a full-time city employee dedicated to park maintenance.
Craig said some maintenance needs were not being met under the current reliance on volunteers and that the parks’ growth justified considering a full-time position. He also reported that Martinsville on the Move was willing to help fund the position.
Playground Equipment Inspection
Chris Perry asked whether playground equipment at Veterans Memorial Park had been inspected following reports of missing nuts and bolts. Mayor Lovell said an official inspection had not been completed.
