Community News
Benld Council revamps comptroller’s position, eyes support for coal severance tax proposal
Pam Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative discusses potential legislation to impose a severance tax on Illinois coal sold out of state during Monday night’s meeting of the Benld City Council. The measure, if it became law, would impose a five percent tax on coal sent out of state to generate about $141.5 million annually, to be divided equally among the state’s General Fund, local counties where coal is extracted and a trust fund to help pay for remediating environmental issues resulting from mining activity. Richard and her husband, Lan (seated to the left), founded the not-for-profit Eco-Justice Collaborative after operating an environmental consulting business for several years in the Chicago area.
The Benld City Council on Monday night took under advisement the adoption of a resolution in support of legislation being sought by a not-for-profit environmental group to impose a severance tax on coal mined in Illinois. Prior to the meeting, representatives of the Community Futures Initiative, an arm of Eco-Justice Collaborative, presented a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposal. The presentation can be viewed on their website.
Pam Richart, Champaign-Urbana, who founded the Eco-Justice Collaborative with her husband, Lan, told council members a five percent severance tax collected on coal currently sent out of state would generate about $141.5 million in revenue annually. Under the group’s proposal, those funds would be divided equally with one-third going to the state’s General Fund, one-third distributed to coal-producing counties on the basis of production, and one-third set aside for a trust fund to pay for recovery from environmental impacts left behind by coal production operations. Currently, coal sales are taxed at the point of sale, meaning 78 percent of Illinois’ coal production generates no revenue for the state because it is transported across state lines.
[pullquote]Currently, coal sales are taxed at the point of sale, meaning 78 percent of Illinois’ coal production generates no revenue for the state because it is transported across state lines[/pullquote]Richart said Illinois is one of only three of the top 10 coal producing states that does not already impose a severance tax. With the bulk of the coal being burned in Illinois coming from Wyoming, she said Illinois consumers already are paying the cost of the severance tax being passed onto consumers by Wyoming coal producers.
“Coal companies pass the severance tax onto its customers,” Richart said. “It doesn’t cost them anything, it doesn’t cost us anything. We already pay for it on the coal we import from Wyoming.”
The group claims that while coal represents less than one percent of the state’s gross production, the industry gobbles up nearly $20 million a year in tax subsidies, incentives and grants. Money generated from the severance tax would help cover that cost, and assist with cleaning up environmental impacts such as acidic slag piles and leaking ash ponds. Problems such as Benld’s recent issues with mine subsidence also would be subject to financial assistance through the trust fund.
Both Pam and Lan Richart said they have met with some state legislators, most of whom have been receptive to the idea.
“We think most legislators are going to want to say to their constituents that they are part of process to bring money back to their communities,” Pam said.
Mayor Gloria Sidar said she spoke with State Rep. Avery Bourne after the city began experiencing mine subsidence issues early last year.
“I told her the state needs to do something, not to just throw money at it, but something to assist with the kind of problems we’ve had here,” Sidar said, but she worried that the legislature would be able to sweep new revenue generated from the tax to help plug the growing deficit in the state budget.
Richart said that the legislation proposed by the Community Futures Initiative, the money would be earmarked in a way that would preclude it from being diverted to other purposes. Moreover, the amount of money generated, while significant for addressing coal-related environmental issues, would be insufficient for making a dent in the budget deficit.
[pullquote]The money coming in will not help with the state deficit, but it can do a lot at the local level[/pullquote]”The money coming in will not help with the state deficit, but it can do a lot at the local level,” Richart said. “What we need is a bill that mandates the split we’re proposing.”
The council took no immediate action on the resolution of support, but will likely consider it at the next regular meeting in April.
In a related matter, Sidar reported that the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Agency had sent a letter advising the city it will install pins and monitors at City Hall to help the agency determine if ongoing damage to the building is the result of mine subsidence and is eligible for insurance coverage. The letter indicated the study will continue for 120 days, after which another 120 days will be required to make a determination.
COMPTROLLER IS NOW OFFICE MANAGER
In other action, the council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amendment changing the appointed position of Comptroller to a city employee position of Office Manager. While the job duties remain the same, the change makes the position subject to a collective bargaining agreement the council approved last month with Laborers International Local 338, the union designated to represent city employees. The measure also makes the position a hired position subject to protection when the administration changes. Previously, the Comptroller was appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the council and served at the pleasure of the administration.
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Ald. Jim Kelly, the amendment was adopted with Ald. Brian Frensko voting “present.” Frensko’s wife, Gina, currently serves in the position of Comptroller/Office Manager.
City aldermen also voted unanimously to amend an ordinance regarding the filing of liens against property owners for unpaid water/sewer bills. Under the previous ordinance, the Comptroller was directly responsible for filing a lien with the County Recorder’s Office. The change is a technical provision requiring the council to direct the Office Manager to file the lien. The significance of the change is that it allows the State Department of Revenue to withhold money from the property owner’s tax refund to help satisfy the debt.
FEE WAIVER FOR CCCC EVENTS
After hearing briefly from Brian Bequette and Annetta Veres, representing the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce, the council voted unanimously to waive $25 of the city’s $100 rental fee for city facilities for Chamber events.
Veres said the Chamber will sponsor four events in Benld this year–Fall Festival, Tour de Coal Bike Ride, Summer Concert Series and a circus.
“We feel as though we bring a whole lot of people into the community,” Veres said, pointing out those guests often patronize local businesses while in town. “Every time we have to pay rent for your facilities, it’s money we can’t spend to help other people.”
[pullquote]Every dollar helps[/pullquote]Mayor Sidar pointed out, however, that $75 of the rental fee is earmarked for clean-up after the event. The city stopped waiving the entire fee some time ago because of issues with certifying that renters have cleaned up the properties to the city’s satisfaction following an event. As an alternative, Ald. Teresa Tucker recommended waiving $25 of the rental fee.
“Every dollar helps,” Veres said.
On a motion by Ald. Jim Tilashalski, seconded by Tucker, the council then voted to waive $25 of the rental fee for CCCC events on municipal properties. Ald. Mickey Robinson, who serves as CCCC Executive Director, voted “present.”
DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR BODY CAMS
Mayor Sidar reported that the Benld Police Department is participating in a program through which local individuals and businesses can make donations toward the purchase of body cameras for full-time police officers. The State Journal-Register reported earlier this week that Benld is one of 10 police departments statewide that are attempting to raise money for body cameras through BodyCameraDonations.com, a website sponsored by the founder of Wolfcom, a company that designs and manufactures body cams. While local police departments are not yet required to have body cams, Sidar said it likely to become a legal requirement in the future. Through the website, donations are applied toward the purchase of body cams at a price of $250 per camera–a $100 discount from the company’s normal pricing.
Sidar said that as news of the donation program spread earlier Monday, $250 in donations “came through the door” within a period of about two hours at City Hall.
“We are well on our way,” she said. Sidar noted that individual cameras are needed for each of the full-time officers, but only one receiver unit (which is more expensive) is required.
Members of the public who wish to donate may do so at City Hall or visit the website.
Sidar also announced that a used police car, the purchase of which the council approved two months ago, has arrived and police are in the process of transferring radios and other equipment from the older vehicle to the new car. “When that’s done, it will be on the road,” Sidar said.
TELEPHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE
The council deferred action on accepting a quote from Madison Communications to upgrade the city’s telephone system. Council members earlier voted to switch from Frontier to Madison to provide telephone and internet service because Madison offered substantially lower pricing. Madison, however, has since advised the city it must upgrade its telephone system in order for its services to work.
“Frontier had told us the same thing three years ago and they gave us a price of $3,000,” Mayor Sidar noted. Madison’s quote for the necessary upgrades amounts to $2,000.
Ald. Peyton Bernot, who was absent Monday night, was the contact person with Madison Communications and the council agreed to delay action until Bernot can confirm the quote with Madison.
DERELICT PROPERTY
The council discussed but took no formal action regarding the status of the so-called Thompson property at 600 East Central Avenue. City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised the council in January to have the building inspected to determine whether or not it can be salvaged before filing a petition for a court order to tear the building down. But Ald. Tucker reported Monday night that the city’s building inspector refused to re-enter the building for inspection.
“He said he wouldn’t go back in there without a haz-mat suit,” she said. “He cannot make an inspection until it is cleaned out.”
While city workers have cleaned up the exterior of the building, the interior reportedly remains strewn with trash and debris. Ald. Tucker said the inspector advised the council that some of the trash is of a type that could “fester” as summer temperatures start to rise.
Verticchio said he had been waiting for a decision from the council before filing suit against the property. He suggested that if the city can find a potential buyer for the property the city could enter into a contract, contingent upon the city’s acquisition of the parcel, to sell it for a specific amount that could include or exclude the cost of the clean-up.
“Wouldn’t it be smart for us to get an estimate on what it will cost to clean it up?” Tucker asked.
“Yes,” said Verticchio. “Even a buyer would want to know that.”
The council referred to the city attorney a letter from a Benld resident asking to secure an exclusive contract to raze derelict properties in exchange for salvage rights.
TREE REMOVAL
Council members accepted a bid of $1,000 from Ruff & Tuff Tree Service to remove a large, hollow tree in the 200 block of North Seventh Street.
In further discussion, Mayor Sidar directed Ald. Frensko to drive around the community and identify trees most in need of removal with an eye toward obtaining more favorable pricing as opposed to removing trees one at a time.
“These trees are like the coal mine, they are 100 years old and they are starting to come down,” Sidar said. “These trees were all planted at the same time and they’re all maples.”
Ald. Tucker noted there is at least one tree that is dropping branches in an area used for a school bus stop where parents and children congregate.
No action followed a brief executive session called at the end of the meeting for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue.
A measure to renew membership in the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway program failed for lack of a motion. Last year, Build Benld paid the $200 dues but later reported the Blue Carpet Corridor event did little to draw new visitors into the community. The council also declined donations to the Sheriffs Association and Gillespie Post Prom Committee, citing previous action to eliminate all city-sponsored donations.
Mayor Sidar announced that a city-wide spring clean-up has been scheduled for June 1. Residents with items to be picked up should have them on the curb by 6 a.m. that morning.
Council members also voted unanimously to accept a bid of $1,005 from Paul and Linda Rasmussen for the purchase of a surplus lot in the 700 block of Eighth Street.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
