Du Quoin reaches new labor agreement
Although Medicaid and pensions gained the majority of the attention from Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed budget cuts last week, another aspect of the proposed cuts have raised eyebrows on the city councils in Du Quoin and Pinckneyville.
The governor's planned 50 percent cut in general state aid to towns across the state could pare Du Quoin's general state aid by up to $300,000 this coming year, about 6 percent of the money in its general fund.
Towns are clearly in the governor's crosshairs because of his belief that communities have stockpiled cash reserves. Du Quoin currently has a cash reserve of only $350,000.
The state money goes into the city's general fund, which is typically used for expenses, such as salaries and equipment purchases. Like school funding, the money is a Constitutional requirement unless the voters change the Constitution. Through executive orders, they have changed that formula over the years.
The distribution is based on population and Perry County is losing 60-75 residents per year in what Duncan calls "out migration." At last count, Du Quoin's population was 6,109.
"Our police department is funded through the general fund," said Duncan. "Our fire department is funded through the general fund, our street departments, our parks."
Mayor Duncan said despite concerns, enacting such cuts is a long way away and could very well be blocked by democrats.
The announcement comes on the heels of votes by the city council that will cost the city more money: Phase II roof repairs at city hall, three well-deserved police department promotions that will add to payroll costs and a new collective bargaining agreement.
New Laborer's Contract Brings Modest Wage Hikes
The Du Quoin City Council signed off on a new four-year collective bargaining contract with street, water, water reclamation and some of the employees in the administrative offices. The four-year agreement provides for wage increases of 70 cents an hour the first year, 65 cents the second year and 60 cents in each of he last two years.
Motor Fuel Tax
The council approved a $250,000 Resolution 2015-R02-01 Motor Fuel Tax appropriation for 2015.
Police Department Promotions
The council approved the promotions of three police officers to rank of sergeant. They are officers Dale Swallers, Lee Prince and Steve Ingram. The promotions come with a 50-cent per hour pay increase stipend. As part of the same departmental organization officer Phil Shimanski will work alongside Steve Ingram as an investigator. The new sergeants were sworn in as part of the promotion process.
New Fire Department Equipment
The council approved a fire department bid award of $147,816 for firefighting breathing equipment as part of FEMA grant purchase. The bid is more than the grant and will cost the city's general fund $7,250 and the fire department $2,821.
Open Bids for Used Fire Hydrants
The council opened sealed bids for seven used fire hydrants. Rich Youngman's bid of $300 was approved.
Back Half of City Hall Leaking in a Bad Spot
The council discussed authorization to request bids for the second phase of a city hall building roof repair. The front half of the building was re-roofed two years ago because of unseen damage from a 2012 spring storm. Insurance paid for that repair at a cost of over $100,000.
The roof is now leaking where the old and new roofs meet and some of that water is dripping on electric and communications equipment that supports the communications center in the police department.
Spot repairs have been made as needed and no serious damage has been done. Once the extent of he work needed to solve the problems is identified the re-roofing work will be put out for bids. Those repairs will not be covered by insurance.