Carrier Mills board worried about funding cuts
As with many local communities, Carrier Mills is facing with great concern the effects of cuts in the Local Government Distributive Fund proposed by Governor Rauner.
Discussion of the problems facing the village budget was a key issue at the March Carrier Mills board meeting. The village would lose some $82,000 if the cuts are approved. This amounts to the salaries for two, full-time positions and would be some 17 percent of the village general fund revenue. The village has only six full-time positions, two police and four street and alley workers.
"We could not make this up in any conceivable means," said Mayor Louis Shaw. "We couldn't raise the property tax high enough to offset the loss."
Shaw added quickly that he was not advocating raising village property taxes.
The water department is funded by proceeds water bills and the fire department is all volunteer and raises their funding through fundraisers and fees for fire calls and these departments would not be affected by the cut in funding.
When asked by the Daily Register if the effect of these cuts would be devastating to the village, Shaw responded, "That is a fair description."
"We will take a heavy hit if these cuts are enacted," Shaw stated.
The board unanimously passed resolution encouraging the Illinois General Assembly to vote against passage of the cuts to the LGDF.
The board approved the hiring of Mike Gribble as an "as needed" police officer for the village. Gribble will fill in for Chief Chuck Rubright or Sgt. Bill Duncan when needed.
Board member Greg Prince asked that drivers of semis avoid the use of the village streets as much as possible during the spring thaw, stating that the water system is vulnerable to the effects of the weight of these vehicles and is liable to water breaks. The board also expressed their appreciation to the Street and Alley Department for the quick and efficient cleanup of the most recent snowfall. Assistant Fire Chief Geoff Absher and Fire Chief Jerry Choat thanked the street and alley crew for their assistance during the cleanup.
On a sadder note, the board expressed it's condolences to the village clerk, Rita Difenbach, for the recent loss of her mother-in-law.
In other action the board:
Approved the engineering agreement with Brown and Roberts Incorporated. This will allow the water system repair and refurbishment project to proceed.
Approved an amendment to allow the expansion of the Saline County Enterprise Zone. This action is similar to amendments recently take by all bodies involved in the Enterprise Zone and will allow new businesses to locate in Saline County.
Announced the Scheduling of the SpringFest and Catskin Days for 2015. SpringFest will be held on May 28, 29 and 30. Catskin Days will be held on Oct. 8, 9 and 10.