Community News
Gillespie Council approves 2026 property tax levy; Discusses streetscape
The Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved $455,291 property tax levy for 2025 taxes payable in 2026 but, following a 30-minute executive session, took no action on a pending collective bargaining agreement with city employees.
The new levy compares with last year’s levy of $434,028. Because of a Property Tax Extension Limitation Law approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, the city is limited to increasing the levy by no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI, essentially representing the current rate of inflation, is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The levy approved Monday night represents a slightly less than a five percent increase over last year’s tax extension (the amount the city actually received in property tax revenue). Like most other taxing bodies in the county, the City of Gillespie typically levies for more than what it can actually receive, relying on the County Clerk to adjust the final levy to generate the maximum amount of revenue to which the city is entitled.
The newly approved levy ordinance requests $74,674 for Corporate purposes, compared with $71,186 last year; $32,149 for Police Protection, compared with $39,648 last year; $43,558 for Streets and Bridges, compare with $41,524 a year ago; $12,441 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration, compared with 11,860 last year; $72,599 for Liability Insurance, compared with $69,208 a year ago; $18,665 for Parks, compared with $17,794 a year ago; $4,146 for the Municipal Band, compared with $3,955 last year; $130,682 for Social Security, compared with $124,578 last year; and $66,374 for the Public Library, compared with $63,275 last year.
Property tax revenue reportedly accounts for about 10 percent of the city’s annual expenditures.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The council took no action following a 30-minute executive session to discuss a pending agreement with the Laborers Union, which represents Street Department, Water and Sewer Department and Lake employees. The current contract expires in January. The last collective bargaining agreement, approved two years ago, provided city employees with a $1 per hour wage increase.
The council reportedly plans to convene a special meeting to take formal action on the contract.
STREETSCAPE ISSUES
As a result of lengthy discussion about issues pertaining to the ongoing Streetscape Project, Mayor Landon Pettit directed city personnel to reach out to area contractors from whom portable, temporary streetlights can be rented. Pettit said he had contacted one contractor himself who had one unit available at a cost of $1,095 per month. Ethan Martin, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the city, said he would contact Stutz Excavating, the general contractor, to see if they had lighting units to deploy.
“We can’t wait anymore,” Pettit said, citing safety issues. “We’ve got to do something.”
Downtown has been without streetlights for more than a month and delivery of backordered lights has been pushed back to Jan. 6. Ald. J.Q. Halteman suggested installing wooden posts with lights attached, but Pettit said Ameren has not yet run wiring through the underground conduit associated with the project.
The temporary lights will operate off diesel-powered generators. City personnel will start the generators at dusk and turn them off during the day. Lights will be strategically positioned to avoid disturbing downtown apartment dwellers.
Pettit also reported he has received complaints from businesses who say the project has impacted their sales.
“We have a couple of businesses, one in particular, that have been pretty affected,” Pettit said. “They’re afraid they may have to go out of business” unless the city can provide financial relief for business loss. He said he looked into the possibility of using Tax Increment Fund monies to compensate businesses but found the city cannot legally use those funds for that purpose.
Several council members voiced concerns about setting a precedent that could quickly spiral out of control.
“I don’t know of any way we can legally compensate them,” said Ald. Wendy Rolando. “The best thing we can do is keep working to get the project done.”
Miners Restaurant reportedly incurred business loss as while the sidewalk in front of the business was torn up. Martin said the contractor is tearing out one side of the sidewalk at a time to cause minimal disturbance to local businesses. During construction a sidewalk of at least four feet in width has been accessible, and a temporary walkway was provided between the remaining sidewalk and the front door.
Martin told the council that no business has been deprived of access to their front doors. “They may not have been able to park in front,” he said, “but they’ve all had access to their front door.”
According to Martin, sidewalk work in the 300 block of South Macoupin has been stymied by unexpected cold weather. Pouring concrete in freezing weather is not ideal for curing. The contractor expects to pour the sidewalk as soon as weather allows and has pledged to complete work in the 300 block of South Macoupin before moving on to the next block. Assuming the sidewalk can be completed before the end of the year, plans are to suspend construction until early spring.
Pettit said there also have been complaints about a “lip” associated with an ADA ramp at the intersection nearest the Illinois Coal Mining Museum. Martin said the museum plans to move its main entrance to align with an ADA ramp, which will alleviate the problem. In the meantime, city workers plan to mark the potential tripping hazard with yellow paint.
PLUM STREET PROJECT
Council members unanimously accepted a revised engineer’s estimate for the Plum Street reconstruction project. Brian Kulick of Juneau and Associates Engineers, Inc., Granite City, provided paperwork putting the project’s overall cost at $420,000. Additionally, the council approved a Motor Fuel Tax estimate for the project totaling $341,407. That document will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Transportation to secure authorization for using MFT funds for the project.
Juneau and Associates was hired in October as the city’s engineers after the city’s previous firm allegedly botched the submission of paperwork to IDOT, delaying the start of the project until spring 2026. Community Unit School District 7 has committed about $190,000 in Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds to the project, expecting to release those funds when work begins.
Plum Street between LJ Avenue and Kelly Street began to seriously deteriorate after the school district rerouted school bus traffic onto the street to facilitate coordinating start times at all three attendance centers. The project will include milling and resurfacing, reconstruction of the roadway base, grading and shaping ditches, driveway aprons and storm sewer improvements.
LIFT STATION PUMPS
Speaking as the city’s Sewer Department manager, Martin advised the council it should anticipate replacing several lift station pumps in the near future. At a lift station near Hickory Street, both pumps have failed, and are being rebuilt by Vandalia Pump and Motor. In a lift station at the lagoon, one of the two pumps have failed.
The Hickory Street pumps were installed in 2024 at a cost of about $50,000 each. The pumps are not subject to warranty. Martin said he is seeking prices on replacing the pumps.
For the lagoon lift station, Martin said he has a spare pump but is waiting for someone come to install it.
For the future, Martin said the council should consider buying new pumps to bring both lift stations up to date.
“In my opinion, any pump in the sewer system needs to be a chopper/grinder pump,” Martin said. The failing pumps in both lift stations are not chopper/grinder units. As long as the city relies on regular pumps, Martin said, “they’re just going to continue to burn out.”
The mayor referred the issue to committee for further consideration. He said the Sewer Department has a couple of outstanding loans that will be paid off soon, freeing up some cash flow that could be used to purchase new pumps.
“Let’s put in the right pumps so we don’t have to keep replacing or rebuilding pumps every year or so,” Pettit said.
PROPERTY SALES
The council agreed to sell six acres of surplus property located at the end of Hickory Street near the former site of the city’s sewer plant to Erik Fisko for $18,000. Fisko was the only bidder for the property which was declared surplus and advertised for sale last month. Fisko owns adjoining property. The city will retain an easement for a sewer line running under the six-acre parcel.
With one dissenting vote, the council also agreed to sell two lots in the 600 block of Spruce Street to Mike Bellovich, a developer who plans to build duplexes on the property. The property generated no bids when it was first declared as surplus and advertised for bids two years ago, enabling the city to sell it without seeking additional bids.
“My opinion is that $4,000 for two lots is too cheap,” said Ald. Dona Rauzi, who cast the sole “no’ vote on the sale.
“We’ve had this property for several years and no one wanted to bid on it,” Mayor Pettit said. “He wants to build on it, so it will be generating revenue instead of us spending money to maintain it.”
On the advice of City Attorney Rick Verticchio, the council opened a bid from Phil Kaduk for 57 acres of wooded property adjacent to Gillespie Lake but took no action on it because the bid was submitted after Friday’s deadline for bids.
Verticchio said that since the parcel has been offered for bid and no bids were accepted, the council “can sell it for whatever you want with a three-fourths majority.” Kaduk offered $230,000 for the acreage, which the council may or may not choose to accept at a later date.
DERELICT PROPERTIES
After a brief discussion regarding derelict properties in the city, Mayor Pettit directed aldermen to canvass their own wards to report potential nuisance properties.
Mayor Pettit reported that a contractor has completed demolition and clean-up at a nuisance property at the intersection of Spruce and Shelby streets, and that the city should soon receive a bill for the work. He said the court granted permission to the city to enter the property and clean it up.
Verticchio reported that the property owner for a nuisance property in the 400 block of Baker Street has been ordered by the court to testify regarding damage at the residence.
“The insurance company has a right to take sworn testimony from the insured,” Verticchio said. Such testimony is expected to show whether or not the damage is covered. “If you had a fire and it turns out you started fire, then the insurance company is not going to pay.”
Verticchio said the property owner has evaded giving a sworn statement, resulting in the court issuing a subpoena to compel his testimony. “The city’s interest is that there is money in the policy for clean-up,” Verticchio said.
CITY CREDIT CARDS
After a lengthy discussion, the council agreed to apply for a city credit card, and acquire a Habor Freight credit card.
“There are a lot of things we can get cheaper online, but we have no way doing that other than have an employee pay for it out of pocket and wait two weeks or more to be remimbursed,” Pettit said.
Pettit said a credit card would be preferable to a debit card because the debit card draws from a specific bank account. With the credit card, the city clerk can assign purchases to the proper accounts when paying the monthly bill. According to Pettit, department heads will have authority to approve purchases. Once approved, the employee can get the card from the city clerk, use it and return it.
In separate actions, the council voted to acquire a credit card, and open accounts with Amazon and Harbor Freight.
Pettit said most of the purchases will be items the city currently buys from suppliers at significantly higher prices.
“It’s not things we can buy locally,” he said. Additionally, having a credit card, Amazon account and Harbor Freight account in the city’s names means the purchases will be tax-exempt. Under the current system where employees buy items and seek reimbursement, the city is obligated to pay sales tax.
DC WASTE
The council briefly heard from Brian Demming, owner of DC Waste, one of two trash hauling companies offering services in the city. Deming said he had received a Request For Proposals to offer city-wide trash removal, and urged the council to keep local businesses in mind if and when the city opts to offer city-wide trash services.
“We’re a family-owned business trying to stay alive in a corporate world,” Deming said, noting the Republic Service juggernaut to take over waste hauling in the region. Deming alleged the corporate strategy is to “put guys like me out of business.”
“In the past, you had several haulers to choose from,” he said. “Now you have two.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
Approved four resolutions authorizing expenditures of Tax Increment Financing funds in the following amounts:
• $43,338 to reimburse the General Fund and Redevelopment Fund for TIF-eligible expenditures:
- $25,000 to United Community Bank
- $19,950 to Carlinville Glass Cutters for glass installed at City Hall
- $2,222.12 to DeeDee’s Florals for a facade grant
- $894 to Moran Economic Development, Inc. for work completed in regard to the city’s second Tax Increment Finance district
• Approved a $230,889.61 payment to Stutz Excavating for work completed on the Streetscape project
• Approved a liquor license application from Mike Hailstone for Lumpy’s Bar and Grill
• Accepted a facade grant application for 110 South Macoupin Street.
• Authorized expenditure of up to $3,000 for Bettis Truck Repair, Hettick, to install a metal liner in the city’s dump truck
• Approved Christmas bonuses of $150 for city employees
• Approved a resolution affirming the Zoning Board’s decision to rezone 709 Staunton Road from Commercial to Residential.
• Agreed to allow Edwin Kingston to install a manufactured home on a permanent foundation at 201 Southern Street.
• Voted to approve the promotion of Gillespie Police Officer Christian Abner to the rank of Sergeant
• Directed the City Attorney to prepare a draft ordinance making Elm Street permanent one-way street where the street loops around the high school parking lot and passes in front of the school district administrative offices. The street currently is one-way during school hours only.
• Agreed to purchase a 2016 Ford 350 with 200,000 miles from Kinney Contractors to replace a truck used by the Sewer Department
• Declared the former Gillespie Police Department building as surplus property and list it with a realtor for sale.
Comments
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.
