Ella Tinsley was there for WROY/WRUL News and files the report…
Several high school students attending as part of their civics education were recognized as the regular meeting for the McLeansboro City Council commenced on August 18, 2026. Elijah Sandusky introduced himself and said he plans to pursue audio engineering, while Brian Vogt said he intends to study computer science; their introduction was prompted by Mayor Chad May before regular business was introduced.
A representative of the Kiwanis Club, Dennis Friedman, thanked the city for its assistance with the recent park project, saying the work had gone well with the city’s support. Friedman also briefed the council on preparations for the upcoming Fall Festival and expressed appreciation in advance for the city’s expected involvement, “fall festival’s upon us and we’re going to thank you in advance because we know the city’s going to be instrumental in that happening.”
Following that, Friedman made notice that the organization is seeking storage space for its festival sign boards, racks, floats, and other equipment. The materials have been stored in Josh Foster’s building, but a new space is needed. The representative asked whether the city had any available lots, including properties it may have acquired through condemnation proceedings, that could potentially be used for a storage building.
Financial matters on the consent agenda included a short-term loan from the electric department to the fire station grant fund. City officials explained that the loan is needed because not all grant funds have been received. The money will be repaid once the remaining grant proceeds arrive.
The council also renewed the sewer line of credit, with Mayor May indicating that the renewal is expected to be the final one. The city is working toward completing the financing supported by USDA Rural Development, after which the line of credit is expected to be closed.
Several local businesses also submitted renewals for liquor and gaming licenses. As Mayor Chad May illuminated, “Got the renewal of our liquor and gaming licenses for 112 South Washington, LLC, Adam Little DBA Deep South, Bliss Health Club, Elks BPOE 1882, Family Dollar, Foxy, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, John Stelle Post 106, Hucks, McLeansboro Fair Association, McLeansboro Golf Club, Mimmo’s, Russell Oil Company, and Tequila.”
Library staffing and the relationship between the city and McCoy Library were the subject of a lengthy discussion. The council considered the hiring of Jill Fuquay to fill the position vacated by Ginger Finley. Mayor Chad May acknowledged that he had not yet met with the library board to resolve outstanding matters concerning the position and said that responsibility rested with him. “So what I’m asking is that the council approve their employee contingent or pending completion and agreement on the MOU.”
Council members ultimately approved Fuquay’s selection, contingent on completion and agreement of a memorandum of understanding between the city and the library board. Her qualifications and interview performance received favorable comments, with officials describing her resume as strong and her interview responses as professional and responsive.
The discussion also focused on clarifying the respective responsibilities of the city and the library board. Council members said the MOU (memorandum of understanding) should establish who is responsible for administrative and operational duties. One member emphasized that, based on the existing paperwork, the city is currently responsible for all of those obligations.