Budget increase, updates on ongoing water problems discussed in October session of Coalton Village Board

COALTON (Heartland Newsfeed) — Business was rather limited in the Coalton Village Board’s meeting on Wednesday, October 11, which included updates on their ongoing water issues and a public hearing to increase the village budget. Prior to the start of the regular session meeting, a public hearing was held where the board gave reasons for expanding the 2017-18 fiscal budget. Without any members of the public in attendance, the hearing was closed and adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Following revisions suggested by Village Trustee Mike Havera, approval of the meeting minutes from the September 13 meeting were approved. During Water Superintendent Tom Gonet’s report, an update was given regarding the ongoing water leakage issues that are currently trying to be resolved. A representative was in the village checking into the meter that’s causing some troublesome issues, who took down the error codes the meter has been flashing and will follow up with any further information. Further discussion took place regarding resolving the issue. Village Treasurer Sandy Jachino noted that payment will need to be delayed to the City of Nokomis pending receipt of funds, as the village is currently out of money because of the excessively high water bills the village has been charged in recent months. She has reached an understanding with Nokomis City Clerk Angela Keagy regarding the situation and will make payments as money becomes available. An outgoing payment to the United States Department of Agriculture in the amount of $4,860 will be made in November. Village Trustee Steve Kimbro noted the possibility of making smaller payments rather than completely hold out on paying the bills, as they don’t dispute what is considered as normal water usage in the village, but does dispute the excessive amounts they’ve been billed for in past months. Village President Rick Cearlock noted that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 8. Final updates on the new village truck and the grant were given. A tax levy was scheduled for passage, but was tabled for the next meeting. The board voted to approve the amended budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year in the amount of $310,400 and an ordinance was passed to approve the village’s membership in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. With no new or unresolved business to discuss, the board voted to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Village President Rick Cearlock, Village Clerk Kay Cook, Village Treasurer Sandy Jachino, Water Superintendent Tom Gonet and Village Trustees Mike Havera, Steve Lee, Steve Kimbro, Rod Eller and Mary Speier.

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A version of this article will be published in Wednesday’s issue of the Free Press-Progress.