The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Plan for paying January's rising utility rates Increases Property Taxes
Downtown Biggsville...
The Biggsville Village Board met in regular session December 6, 2006.with President Pro Tem Dale Allenbaugh presiding and the following present:
Trustees: Jack Brokaw (7:10 p.m.), Marilyn Evans, Gloria Minard, Bob Onion, and Brian Sterett. Treasurer-Gloria Jones. Clerk-Frank Jones. Visitors-Dan Gibb and Jerry Zarn.
President Dale Allenbaugh opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Parks and Recreation-
Dan Gibb-The Parks Committee discussed several options for additional income to offset the anticipated higher light bills in 2007. They are working on the details of the military honor garden.
Lights-
Dale Allenbaugh advised the board the the street light power bill will double in January. Allenbaugh has inquired about ways to cover the added expense. One way is by adding a utility tax on our property taxes. This addition may be up to 5% without a public referendum. Allenbaugh read the Illinois House bill pending on rates. Dale will call the telephone and gas companies that serve Biggsville about additional utility taxes.
Clerk Jones reported the total power bill for the village is over $1,000 per month.
Dale Allenbaugh moved the Village of Biggsville add a street light tax of .05% and a water fund tax of .03% totaling .08% to the property taxes for 2007, payable in 2008 seconded by Jack Brokaw. Roll was called: Jack Brokaw, yes, Marilyn Evans, yes, Gloria Minard, yes, Bob Onion, yes, Brian Sterett, no, and Dale Allenbaugh, yes. Motion carried by the required 2/3rds vote. Dale will contact the county for instructions.
Public Relations-
Gloria Minard asked if the village was going to have Christmas for the seniors this year. The board replied, yes. The board will sack candy on December 19th at 6:00 p.m. Gloria Minard will purchase the candy and fruit.
Gloria Minard said she will find some group to judge the Christmas lights in Biggsville. The judging will be between now and Christmas depending on the judges availability.
Streets-Dale Allenbaugh and Jack Brokaw have been working to get the lights fixed on the snow plow.
Water and Sewer-
Dale Allenbaugh discussed increasing the water and sewer rates for 2007 and 2008. Bob Onion asked how much Dallas Rural Water was charging the village for water. Knowing this, Onion said maybe the village could phase in the required increase over several years. Marilyn Evans suggested a flat rate change for each per year.
Other standing committees for the village board had no specific reports.
Old Business
Dale Allenbaugh reported that Village Attorney Ronald Stombaugh filed a motion to dismiss the summons filed by Larry Bundy's. Now the village must wait for a hearing date.
New Business-
The board discussed Dr. S. C. Lindo's retirement party. The board discussed all that Dr. Lindo has done for the community and wanted to show it's appreciation.
All voted in favor of naming the Biggsville ball field "S.C. Lindo Field'
Dale Allenbaugh advised the board of the upcoming event for the Biggsville Lynn Hotel to be held on December 15th from 6-8:00 p.m.
Dale Allenbaugh reported he will be attending a meeting with Dallas Rural Water. One questions is who will own the water lines to include the one to West Central.
Clerk Frank Jones reported on the April election. The village will need to elect the following: Mayor two-year unexpired term, Trustees (3) for four year terms, and (2) for two year unexpired terms. Contact the clerk for details.
Bob Onion moved the village give their employees a Christmas gift seconded by Jack Brokaw. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
Dan Gibb asked Dale Allenbaugh to check at the court house on forming a park district.
Dale Allenbaugh reported that Jim McKinney asked if the village would plow his driveway and Dale said no. McKinney will come later with a petition to petition out of the village limits.
Jack Brokaw arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Minutes of the regular meeting and paying of all bills were read by Clerk Frank Jones and approved by the board and the Treasurer's report by Treasurer Gloria Jones was approved.
Minutes were submitted by Frank H. Jones Biggsville Village Clerk.
The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Biggsville Community Building.