Community News
Benld Council approves $120,000 property tax levy
Benld City Council members on Monday night approved a $120,000 levy for 2023 property taxes to be collected in 2024 and approved the purchase of three derelict properties for back taxes, but tabled action on amending a contract to sell a vacant lot on Central Avenue, pending further discussions with the buyer.
Finance Chair Ald. Jerry Saracco said the new tax levy is less than three percent in excess of last year’s levy, except for the Public Library levy, which was increased by five percent. The levies for city funds are governed by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), or tax caps, which was approved by Macoupin voters more than two decades ago. PTELL restricts increases in the property tax levy to five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The Consumer Price Index, essentially the rate of inflation, typically falls short of five percent.
The newly approved levy will be submitted to the Macoupin County Clerk, who is responsible for ensuring the levied amounts are within the limitations of PTELL, making adjustments if necessary, and set the tax rate to generate the amounts requested by the city council.
The new levy unanimously approved on a motion by Saracco, totals $120,605.29 in the aggregate, compared with last year’s levy of $116,912.38. While some individual levies were increased, others were reduced or left unchanged, the total increase was less than three percent, according to Saracco.
Representing about one-third of the total levy, the levy for Police Protection comes in at 43,160, compared with $41,114 a year ago. A total of 30,000 is levied for Administration, compared with $30,300 last year. The levy for Liability Insurance totals $6,386, compared with $6,200 last year, while the levy for Road and Bridge Maintenance totals $6,090, compared with $5,800 last year. The city levied $5,800 for the annual audit, compared with $4.760 last year. A total of $5,250 is levied for Parks, compared with $5,000 last year, and $5,000 is levied for Social Security, compared with $6,600 last year. Other levied amounts include $1,200 for the Municipal Band, compared with a levy of $0 last year; $1,200 for Unemployment Insurance, which is unchanged from the previous two years; and $2,400 for Workers Compensation, compared with $2,300 last year. The levy for Lease/Rental expenses is $0, the same as last year.
Though the library is its own taxing body separate from the city, the library levy of $14110.29, is included in the city levy request, compared with $13,438.38 last year.
PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Saracco, the council voted unanimously to purchase three properties, previously designated as public nuisances, located across the street from City Hall.
The city will pay $846.12 for 200 East Central Avenue, $1,071.99 for 209 East Central Avenue, and $554.93 for 211 East Central Avenue.
The action enables the city to acquire the properties without pursuing court actions. The properties presumably will be offered for sale, conditioned upon the buyer either abating or removing the nuisance.
TIBURZI CONTRACT
After some discussion, the council tabled action on a request to alter the contract regarding the sale of the lot formerly occupied by First National Bank in the 200 block of East Central Avenue to Derek Tiburzi. The two-story brick bank building was razed in March 2022 after the city acquired the problem through an emergency public nuisance resolution. Tiburzi submitted the winning bid of $30,000 to purchase the lot in April 2022.
Under terms of the agreement, Tiburzi was to pay $6,000 down with the remaining $24,000 to be paid in monthly installments of $1,000 over two years. The agreement further obligated Tiburzi to build a new building housing a business interest within three years.
Tiburzi reportedly asked the city to eliminate the deadline, citing alleged problems with soil compaction on the site of the Old Bank Building. Tiburzi said he has been unable to find a concrete contractor willing to guarantee his work on a foundation because of the condition of the soil.
Jono Verticchio from the Verticchio Law Office said Tiburzi is not asking the city to remedy the compaction issue but is asking that the deadline be removed to allow more time to build and establish a business.
“I don’t want to remove the time limit entirely,” said Ald. Saracco. “We need to have him come in and talk to us.”
Verticchio also updated the council on the status of several public nuisance cases moving through the court system with an eye toward cleaning up private properties. He also clarified for aldermen the circumstances under which the city can tow away derelict cars sitting on public boulevards. According to Verticchio, such vehicles can be removed if they have been sitting for a minimum of seven days. Once the owners have been notified that their vehicle has been impounded, they have 10 days to reclaim the vehicle. If the owner fails to claim the vehicle within 10 days, the city can sell the vehicle.
Ald. Balzraine apologized after learning he had issued an ordinance violation citation on the wrong property. Richard Mitchell appeared before the council to complain about receiving the citation and subsequently received a notice to appear in court. He said the ticket was issued Nov. 11, but he did not receive it until Dec. 5. The court date summons arrived Dec. 15 before he had a chance to respond to the citation.
“Where just trying to get the town cleaned up,” Balzraine said. He mentioned a boat parked on city property and two derelict trailers, prompting Mitchell to deny any of those conditions existed on his property. Balzraine quickly apologized when he realized the citation had been meant for an address on South Kentucky Street, rather than South Illinois Street where Mitchell resides.
Verticchio took a copy of the citation from Mitchell and assured Mitchell that he would file a dismissal with the court.
STRAY CATS
Ald. Balzraine reported that Macoupin County Animal Control plans to start trapping and removing feral cats in the near future. He reminded residents that the city has a leash law for pets, including cats, and that cat owners should keep tabs on their pets to keep them from being inadvertently trapped and removed. He also asked that residents refrain from feeding stray cats.
PAID LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES
The council unanimously approved an ordinance regarding paid time off for city employees to bring the city’s policy into compliance with a new state law taking effect Jan. 1. Under the new rule, employees requesting paid time off must file their request three days in advance for planned leaves, or as soon as possible for emergencies. Additionally, paid time off must be taken in two-hour increments.
TREE REMOVAL
The council accepted a bid of $1,900 from Emmons Tree Service, Carlinville, to remove four trees on city property on North Main Street. The bid also includes grinding the stumps.
CHRISTMAS BONUSES
Council members approved Christmas bonuses of $125 for full-time employees and $75 for part-time employees.
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
