The McLeansboro City Council wound up the year with a one hour regular session, with the highlight being a decision on gas rates. Scott Mareing was there and has this report…
The board decided to go with a proposal from USDI for natural gas rates at $3.25 per 1,000 cubic feet for the next three years beginning May 1st. That’s an increase from the previous rate of $2.10. The new rate is still under what Ameren charges. Mayor Chad May said the city is about $130.000 in the hole and this increase will help absorb the current losses.
In other business, Dale Holtmann of Scheffel Boyle presented the FY 25 financial audit. He said that revenues are up and there is no long term debt. The board unanimously approved the audit.
The Consent Agenda was approved, which included the Fiscal Year 26 Budget Amendment: an Ordinance for a FY 26 Appropriations Amendment concerning park activity, payment of $2,500 to Dairy Queen at 134 East Market for a TIF Façade Grant; payment of $2,500 to Bonan Bonan & Rowland Law Office; and approval of the 2026 regular meetings of the City Council.
Two bids for the garbage contract for the city, from Republic and Bulldog, were opened, as were three bids for the addition to the McLeansboro Fire Station, From S. I. Cabinets and More, Zeller Construction and Evrard. The bids will be reviewed and scored, and be approved at next month’s meeting.
Also approved was making the annual tax levy for the City of McLeansboro for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026.
And the board approved updating the Zoning Code regarding expanding the access for the MR1 Zoning District.
There was the first reading of two ordinances: one amending Chapter 21 of the Liquor License Classification and Fees, increasing the number of Class E-2 licenses from one to two; and the other regarding banning the sale and delivery of kratom (kray-tum) and derivatives within the city of McLeansboro. They are to possibly be approved at next month’s meeting.
The board went to executive session at 6:28 PM to discuss the purchase or lease of real property, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired, and security procedures.