CENTERBURG — Village Administrator Teri Wise told council members on Monday that Centerburg residents will not see a sewer rate increase in 2023.
In February, Jack Jones of Kleinfelder said the sewer fund is healthy with reserves at 108%. Reserves cover unforeseen economic effects, increased or decreased usage, and seasonable fluctuations. Reasonable reserves range from 25% to 40% of revenue.
Wise cautioned, however, that to avoid a large increase of 20% to 25% down the road, the village does not want to wait too long before increasing rates.
“We want to make sure those increases are as low as they can be. We will keep evaluating the expenses to the revenue and report back to say whether we need an increase,” she said. “We’re monitoring it pretty careful.”
In legislative action, council members authorized Wise to spend up to $9,025 with Kleinfelder on a Main Street safety study. The study will evaluate existing traffic signals and recorded crashes at the intersections with Preston Street, Hartford Avenue, and Clayton Street.
Study results will support the TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant the village submitted for downtown revitalization. The goal is to acquire safety funds for the signal replacements identified in the grant application.
The study will also help a Safe Routes to School grant application.
In other action, council members:
•Amended 2023 appropriations
•Tabled acquisition of property, casualty, and liability insurance as a new price quote is not yet received
•Adopted an ordinance authorizing dental and eye insurance for village employees
Reports
Village administrator. The zoning code review is complete. The planning commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 24, at 7 pm in council chambers. A copy of the proposed revisions is available on the village website.
Wise said the village continues to review and create forms related to the code.
“Our intent is to post all of these forms on the website,” she said. “… We’re going to make it as easy as possible for our residents when they need a permit.”
Relating to traffic, Wise reached out to Carpenter Marty Transportation for help evaluating the 30 curb cuts, traffic congestion, and speed limits out to Knox Community Hospital’s wellness center.
Engineering projects include improvements at the wastewater treatment plant and buying four backup generators for the pump stations. Three generators will be stationary; the fourth will be a mobile backup. The village will use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money for the generators.
Wise also wants to explore the possibility of providing lime material residual to farmers for use on their fields.
Fiscal. The village collected $582,510.47 in income tax revenue in 2022; $197,482.52 is outstanding. RITA (Regional Income Tax Agency) collected $13,127.29 through its delinquent and subpoena letters program. March village receipts include $26,994.35 collected through sewer or zoning violation liens placed on real estate.
COJFD. Fire Chief Mark McCann reported the new medic was delivered and is in service. 2024 budget discussions will start soon.
Regarding the fire levy, he noted all in-person voting for the May 2 election will be held at the Knox County Board of Elections, 104 E. Sugar St., Mount Vernon. Early and absentee voting information, as well as voting identification requirements, can be found on the BOE website.
Business development. Interchurch Social Services will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 7 pm to tell the community of plans for a new building. The meeting will be in the Fuller Family Center, 33 Church St.
