Community News
Benld Council approves tax levy, motor fuel tax program
Doug Ratterman of HMG Engineers presented an estimated cost of $42,341.48 for street maintenance in 2016.
Damage to residential properties on the city’s southwest side is playing a role in a projected property tax rate increase for the 2015 tax year for Benld residents. The increase will be likely to appear on tax bills mailed from the County Treasurer’s office in 2016.
Members of the city council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt $100,901.63 tax levy for the 2015 fiscal year. The Property Tax Limitation Law (PTELL) in place for Macoupin County taxing bodies restricts the city from increasing the levy by more than five percent or by the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This year, the CPI is only one half of one percent, Peyton Bernot, Finance Committee chair, told the council. That small increase will take the levy upward only about $500–from $100,399.64 last year to $100,901.63 for 2015.
However, Bernot said he checked with the Macoupin County Clerk’s office and learned that the city’s total equalized assessed valuation is down by nearly three percent. Because of that decline, the tax rate (the amount that has to be applied to the EAV to yield the levy) is expected to go up from $1.04 per $100 assessed valuation to $1.18 per $100 assessed valuation. While the levy is increasing by only one half of one percent, the tax rate will increase by about 13 percent because of the decline in the city’s total EAV.
A number of homeowners who experienced mine subsidence damage were able to have their home’s assessment for taxation purposes reduced
“How is that (mine subsidence) affecting this?” asked Mayor Gloria Sidar.
Bernot replied that in examining a reassessment list published last week, he found that a number of homes had been reassessed in the neighborhood most affected by mine subsidence activity. In other words, a number of homeowners who experienced damage were able to have their home’s assessment for taxation purposes reduced. The reductions overall resulted in forcing the city’s total EAV by nearly three percent, according to Bernot.
A separate levy for the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Libary also was approved in the amount of $11,500.11 – an increase of about $57 from a year ago.
Broken down by fund, the levy approved Monday night is as follows:
- Corporate $27,981.72
- Police Protection $7,975.09
- Street & Bridge $5,117.11
- Park $5,789.83
- Audit $8,717.29
- Workers’ Comp $6,956.77
- Liability Insurance $6,956.77
- Unemployment Insurance $2,694.42
- Social Security $17,082.83
- Lease, Purchase, Rent $9,998.55
- Band $1,631.25
TOTAL: $100,901.63
MOTOR FUEL TAX PROGRAM
Council members also voted unanimously to appropriate $46,500 in motor fuel tax funds for next year’s street maintenance program. Doug Ratterman of Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende Engineers, presented an estimated cost of $42,341.48 for street maintenance in 2016, but warned the price of materials when the program gets underway could have an impact on the amount of work that ultimately is done. The current estimate calls for sealing and chipping 35,000 square yards of street surfaces, plus a ton of bituminous patch material and a ton of aggregate for patching streets that are not resurfaced next summer.
“Once we get prices, we can back out those figures and possibly stretch the square yardage we are able to do,” Ratterman noted.
While the estimated cost is slightly more than $42,000, Ratterman said the Illinois Department of Transportation allows municipalities to appropriate up to a 10 percent cushion for the motor fuel tax program.
In a related matter, the council also approved a resolution drafted by the Illinois Municipal League calling upon Gov. Bruce Rauner, Senate President John Cullerton, House Speaker Mike Madigan and other legislative leaders to release non-general fund revenues that are due to municipalities and other governmental units statewide. Distribution of motor fuel tax funds to municipalities currently is frozen due to the lack of a state budget. The state has been without a budget since June 1 due to an impasse between the governor and legislative leaders. The Village of Wilsonville is among area communities that have passed an identical resolution in recent weeks. Mayor Sidar said she would send copies of the resolution to Rauner as well as legislative leaders.
Also in an effort to protect motor fuel tax funds, the council authorized the Mayor to move the city’s motor fuel tax account out of Illinois Funds to First National Bank, a local banking institution. Illinois Funds was touted as a cooperative alternative to traditional banking, allowing taxing bodies statewide to pool resources for better interest rates and other advantages. However, Sidar reported Monday night that U.S. Bank is in the process of absorbing Illinois Funds.
“They are charging us for everything,” Sidar said, “writing a check, not writing a check. . . .” Switching the fund to FNB, she said, will eliminate the excessive bank fees.
ROUTE 66 MEMBERSHIP DROPPED
After some discussion, the council took no action on paying $200 in dues to renew the city’s membership in the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway organization. Mayor Sidar said Build Benld paid the dues on behalf of the city last year, but had decided not to pay them this year. She read from a letter to her advising the city of Build Benld’s decision which said “we feel this does not bring any revenue to Benld or to local merchants.”
Ald. Teressa Tucker agreed, saying she could not see where the membership had benefitted the city.
“I understand their Blue Carpet Corridor event was very successful for businesses in Edwardsville,” Sidar said. “We had a lot of cars going through, but none stopping.”
The council also declined to act on requests for donations from the local elementary school’s Adopt-A-Class and Holiday Raffle programs, and a half-time basket shooting contest at the high school level. Mayor Sidar said the city does not have the money for donations, but encouraged individual alderpersons to donate if they wished.
NEW FURNACE
Without taking formal action, the council generally authorized the Mayor to seek pricing for a new furnace to replace one that failed at the Civic Center. City Property Chair Brian Frensko said repairing the furnace would cost only about $300 less than replacing it. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the Mayor could replace the furnace without bidding on an emergency basis since colder weather is expected to start soon. Under that scenario the council will simply be asked to approve payment of the bill when it comes in.
OTHER ACTION
Sidar indicated that she will send a thank you note to DeLaurent Construction for sealing the tennis court/basketball court at Veterans Park.
Acting on the recommendation of Ald. Jim Tilashalski, the council voted to declare a property on the southeast corner of the intersection of Central Avenue and Sixth Street a public nuisance. The action authorizes the city attorney to contact the owner, Ballinger Real Estate, and notify them that they have 30 days to abate the nuisance. Verticchio also advised the council he is continuing to work toward obtaining deeds for two condemned properties on which the city has liens.
Sidar reported she had given the city’s employee policy manual to Verticchio for review after she encountered a problem with administering provisions of the sick leave policy. Without discussing specifics, Sidar said the policy was extremely vague. After referring the issue to Verticchio, she said it was discovered there are provisions in state law that supercede local policy. Verticchio is expected to review the entire policy in the next few weeks, Sidar said, “so we don’t have a situation like this one come up again.”
Council members voted unanimously to approve a contract with Water Operator Ray Weller. The measure was a formality to bring the city into compliance with IEPA regulations requiring a contract between municipalities and water operators.
In other action, the council voted unanimously to appoint Anthony Kravanya as the city’s representative on the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service Board of Trustees.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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