Rebuilding year for Du Quoin finances, but they ARE rebuilding

The residual expenses surrounding the multi-million dollar redevelopment of downtown Du Quoin's water mains and sidewalks over the past two years taxed--and then some--the city's finances.

But what were "real concerns" for Mayor Rex Duncan, finance commissioner Kathy West and water commissioner Yvonne Morris have now mellowed into "normal concerns" as the city emerges from a maelstrom of necessary spending.

For the council, it's the acid test of managing a budget while meeting the needs of the city and its residents.

That's why the council Monday night approved the purchase of $23,307 police car from the state's procurement pool. The vehicle is actually coming from Thomas Chrysler Dodge of Highland, Ind. and the purchase of two replacement generators.

A new 80 KW generator will be installed in the Du Quoin Fire Department at a cost of $18,868.43 and a reconditioned, but "like new" generator for only 300 hours on it will be installed at the Grantway lift station. That lift station protects much of Du Quoin near south side (like the Fair Acres subdivision) from flooding during heavy rains.

The fire department generator replaces one in use there since the 1970s.

The council also heard that the city is faced with replastering (resurfacing) the Du Quoin swimming pool, a pricey renovation that could cost upwards of $105,000. Yet, that cost pales by the cost of the alternative, bonding for upwards of $3 million for a new pool.

Again, these expenses are part of a city's "normal concerns" that Mayor Duncan points to.

That said, the city currently has a general fund operating cash reserve of $400,000 and what began as a slow start for sales tax, gaming and business development tax revenue is picking back up.

The city is picking up about $6,000 a month as its share of video gaming profits from veterans organizations, restaurants and a gaming parlor. "We've got about $45,000 in that account and we've told ourselves we can touch that money," said Duncan. It's a rainy day fund.

The new business development tax--which is invested in business redevelopment, started out poorly, but has picked back up to $15,500 a month.

Duncan said there are large demands on the street department for repairs during warm weather and snow removal in cold weather. "We are cutting back on the water department side," he said.

"The department heads are all doing a good job," he said, as he and commissioner West met in the mayor's office Monday morning to see where they are and to plan for next year.

In other action, the council:

• Recognized the Du Quoin swimming Indians for a great season.

• The council approved a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Week Proclamation.

• Approved Tameka Armstrong for appointment to the Park Board.

• Discussed and approved condemnation of trailer at 710 N. Division.

• Discussed and approved pay raises for paid on-call firefighters. Those part-time personnel will go from $8.25 an hour to compensation of $11 per hour, $13 per hour and $15.50 per hour depending on their training.