Community News
Gillespie Council approves $413,412 property tax levy
Gillespie City Council members on Monday night unanimously approved a property tax levy of $413,412 for 2023 taxes collectible in 2024. The action followed a brief public hearing, during which City Treasurer Dan Fisher testified that the levy represents an increase of less than five percent more than last year’s levy.
The county’s Property Tax Extension Limitation Law limits increases in the tax levy to no more than five percent, or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The Consumer Price Index, essentially the rate of inflation for the year as determined by the Department of Labor, was about 3.1 percent at the end of November. The Macoupin County Clerk is responsible for adjusting the city’s levy request to bring the levy into compliance with the law. For that reason, most municipalities set their levies at a maximum of five percent of the previous year to capture as much revenue as possible.
Broken down by specific funds the new tax levy ordinance requests $67,804 for Corporate Purposes, compared with $64,637 last year; $29,193 for Police Protection, compared with $27,829 last year; $39,552 for Streets and Bridges, compared with $37,704 a year ago; $11,298 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration, compared with $19,771 last year; $65,920 for liability insurance, compared with $62,841 last year; $16,950 for Parks, compared with $16,158 a year ago; $3,768 for the Municipal Band, compared with $3,592 a year ago; $116,658 for Social Security, compared with $113,116 last year; and $60,269 for the Public Library, compared with $57,454 a year ago.
Revenue from property taxes represents about 10 percent of the city’s annual budget, which typically totals about $4 million.
DESTRATIFIER PURCHASE
On a motion by Ald. Bill Hayes, the council approved the purchase of a $33,000 destratifier that city officials hope will improve water quality. The equipment is expected to help eliminate organic tastes and smells from processed water by destratifying the lake near the water intake for the water treatment plant.
Later in the meeting, Ald. Frank Barrett commented that the city should forego remodeling the space formerly used by the Fire Department to house the Police Department until the city deals with issues at the water intake location.
“We keep putting a band-aid on our intake,” Barrett said, noting that the water department generates revenue for the city.
Ald. Wendy Rolando, however, pointed out the Police Department project is in the discussion stage only. “We don’t have the money for the Police Department,” she said. Later in the meeting, the council approved payment of $460 in Tax Increment Finance Funds to Schuette Design, Staunton, for preparing blueprints for converting part of the municipal building for the Police Department, but Rolando said that expenditure was needed in order for Treasurer Dan Fisher and Ald. Dona Rauzi to pursue grant funds for the remodeling project. She suggested that Barrett ask for the intake issue to be added to the agenda for an upcoming building, and return with cost estimates for an improvement project.
Fisher told city aldermen that city engineers recently conducted a mandatory inspection of the lake dam and also “took a look at the intake.”
“Their opinion is that the problems we’re having with water are not related to the intake,” Fisher said.
In the meantime, Fisher said, Curry and Associates Engineers are looking at the most cost-effective way to address intake issues. That project, Fisher said, would take place during the summer, in part because the city will have to use professional divers for some aspects of the project.
In a related matter, the council referred to the Lake Committee the issue of determining tap-on fees for lake lot lease-holders who want to access city water from a new main being installed by city workers at the lake.
Fisher said lake lease-holders can use a USDA form to make an application for connection to the new line. The application fee is $50, which will be applied to the tap-on fee, which has not been finalized.
“Once water is available, they will have to pay the balance of the tap-on fee and start paying a monthly water bill,” Fisher said. Leaseholders who do not use their lots during the winter months can opt to have the water turned off for the winter, or continue paying a $25 minimum water bill through the winter. In the event they have water service stopped, water customers will be required to pay a $50 reconnect fee.
Among the decisions the Lake Committee needs to make is determining what the tap-on fee will be for lake lot lease-holders.
“Most rural water districts charge one rate if you sign up before the line gets to you, and a higher rate when the line is one inch past your location,” Fisher said. “It’s a lot less expensive and a lot easier to install taps and meters as the line is being installed.”
Lake Manager Gary Thornhill said he has been telling potential customers the tap-on fee will be about $350 to $400. Thornhill also discounted concerns about the availability of city water causing residents to overflow their holding tanks. “No one out there has a washer and dryer,” he said. “They won’t be using any more water than they’re using now.”
DITCH ORDINANCE TABLED
The council tabled action on a proposed ordinance governing the use of rip-rap in city ditches, citing a need for additional clarification. Ald. Bob Fritz asked for the ordinance last month to ban the use of rip-rap in city ditches except at the ends of culvert installations.
“The city just put in culverts and they rip-rapped every one of them,” said Ald. Dave Link.
Ald. Landon Pettit proposed amending the ordinance to permit rip-rap at the ends of new culvert installation, which raised the issue how far from the culvert would the city allow rip-rap.
Fisher suggested having the ordinance revised to reflect IDOT guidelines which recommend varying distances based on depth, slope and other factors.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio is expected to return next month with a revised ordinance proposal.
BURNED PROPERTIES
Council briefly discussed cleaning up several burned out properties, including two on Park Avenue, one on Maple Street and one on Rotary Street.
Verdicchio said compelling property owners to clean-up the damaged properties would require court action, but advised giving owners time to work with their insurance companies. He said at least one property owner on Park is waiting for their insurance provider to cover the clean-up costs.
“If insurance doesn’t move on a property, we could sue the people but it’s not their fault,” he said. “We can sue the insurance companies because we don’t have access.” Suing the individuals, however, could prompt property owners to put more pressure on their insurers to pay for clean-up.
In a related matter, Ald. Link reported that a property at 707 Spring St., which he had frequently cited in the past, has been completely cleaned up.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Authorized payment of $20,554 in Tax Increment Finance Funds to United Community Bank to service a $98,000 loan the bank advanced to the city seven years ago when the Downtown TIF District was established. The city has three more annual payments to make at which time the TiF District will expire.
- Appointed Deputy City Clerk Krystal Norville as liaison between city employees and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now that employees are eligible to participate in IMRF.
- Accepted a bid of $5,001.99 from Hannah Garrison to purchase property at 408 Broadway Street, on the condition she has the derelict house on the property demolished and removed within six months.
- Approved a provision to make salaries for non-union city employees congruent with terms of a recently approved contract with the Laborers Union.
- Approved a resolution to pay consulting fees for the upcoming Streetscape Project from proceeds of a $1 million state grant.
Comments
FELONIES
Andrew K. Ridens, 37 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 28 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card and theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 2 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over the limit) and aggravated fleeing (disregarding two or more traffic control devices) in connection with a November 20 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn W. Blum, 23 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 30 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, MO, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle/physical control and criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 2 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a residence in connection with a December 4 incident.
Aaron M. Slifka, 33 of Livingston, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a November 18 incident.
TRAFFIC
Anna R. Wallace, 41 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Jonah L. Rogers, 46 of Gillespie, is charged with driving while never issued a license, improper passing of an emergency vehicle, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver.
Joseph M. Holt, 19 of Milwaukee, WI, is charged with driving while never issued a license and not driving on the right side of the road in connection with a November 28 incident.
Dylan T. Baker, 26 of Gillespie, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Micah D. Cooper, 25 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Brian L. Breeden Jr, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zackarie A. McDuffie, 30 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis/driver, and no window treatment/adjacent/driver in connection with a December 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Cindy Cozad versus Christopher Cozad
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Zachary V. Sutton and Christine M. Burley Hill, both of Virden.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Baker Street in reference to a motorist assist.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Jessie J. Waugh, 27 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Elm Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference toa vehicle theft. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for criminal trespass to state-supported property and motor vehicle theft.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft. William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a keep the peace.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to a juvenile issue that took place at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Western Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a residential burglary and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of 7th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Jammie L. Tomblingson, 45 of Shipman, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of East Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to East Maple Street and North Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld, blocking traffic.
Officers were dispatched to a fully engulfed structure fire in the 100 block of South Lincoln in Eagarville. Illinois State Fire Marshals were contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer made contact with a female in the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to recovered property.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
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
