It appears some local utility bills were lost in the mail.
Fairbury City Superintendent Brett Ashburn shared the news with members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening. Ashburn said they just mailed out 181 late bills this month.
One possibility could be the small cards being easy to lose.
“They’re not getting to the people,” explained Ashburn.
The city agreed to waive late fees for those that have not been late within the past year given the unusual amount of bills that were not delivered. Residents are asked to check with the city upon payment.
“I spoke to someone today that didn’t get an e-mail for their water bill,” said Alderman Gary Norris.
“A lot of times it could go to their junk mail,” replied City Clerk Alexandria Reis.
Also at Wednesday’s council meeting, Ashburn reported the old hospital is officially down.
“They’ve been moving in dirt to fill in.”
The area looks completely different with the building gone, as the demolition took a couple of months with asbestos removal prior to that.
“It’s looking great. They did a nice job,” observed Alderman Jim Tipton.
Alderman Jon Kinate agreed, calling it incredible to see.
Updating software for the wastewater department was tabled so further discussions can take place. Ashburn noted the Windows 11 computer update did not “jive” with the current system and could cost $7,000 to make it compatible. The SCADA software system is only a few years old as it was new with the plant upgrade.
An employee benefits policy amendment was approved which states only a maximum of 30 days can be paid based upon resignation or termination of employment. Retirement will be paid out a maximum of 48 days.
In other business, an ordinance was approved for the Zoning Board of Appeals that sets the salary for ZBA members at $50 for each meeting attended and at $50 for the secretary.
A water department vehicle purchase was authorized for $45,908. This is a white 2023 Ford F-150 with 45 miles. The trade vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan with an allowance of $12,250.
The 2024 City Council meeting schedule was approved with regular meetings the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. An appropriation hearing is scheduled for July 17 at 6:15 p.m. City Council committees and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings and hearings are held at the call of the chairman or zoning administrator.
Council members approved the consent agenda, including Dec. 6 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
Following an executive session, the council approved the 2023-24 pay ordinance. This is about increasing pay for part-time and seasonal employees partly in regard to minimum wage increases.
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