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
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
