The council previously approved an ordinance in April to increase the residential/commercial water rates effective in July, but after receiving the state loan schedule they realized they were short by $24,000 for their two loan payments on the new well and water treatment plant.
They agreed to amend the ordinance by adding an additional $6 to the monthly water bill, though they didn’t approve the 5% increase across the board each year for the next 5 years, agreeing to vote on any potential increase annually. Alderwoman Chrissy Barton-Howard said that plan was in place so they wouldn’t have to hash it out every year.
The new amount will bring in an extra $30,600 annually, which “covers the interest and gives a cushion.” The minimum monthly payment will be $77.61 in July and $83.61 in August, as the city must give a 30-day notice before raising the rates again.
Mayor Bruce Franks said the $12 raise by mid-summer will be a sticker shock, but Prophetstown’s monthly bills are still lower than Tampico and Morrison. Office Administrator Wendy Schultz said the increase is based on an average of the city’s 850 paying customers and she’d like to get more specifics next year, such as different rates for those who use 1,000 gallons or less.
The council next discussed increasing part-time pay for police officers from $23 per hour up to $28-$30, with the mayor saying they have about $80,000 in the budget. The city also received four applications for the posted position, with plans to do interviews and the physical “Power Test” the first week of July before hiring. Franks said he wants the city to hire more than one candidate, with Alderman Terry Strike saying, “it’s hard to find officers as no one wants the job.”
Alderman Larry Dessing said Lyndon is paying Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office $50,000 annually for 20 hours of service a week for morning, nights, and emergencies, but he doesn’t want to go to county coverage, at least not yet. Dessing recommend a rate of $30 for part-time officers, dependent on IMRF guidelines, and the council approved.
They also voted to increase the office administrator’s annual vacation hours from 40 to 80, effective on her anniversary day of July 22nd. Schultz works full-time hours daily from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the vacation hours are the same offered to other department heads.
The council also approved an ordinance establishing new requirements and amending City Codes for placement and removal of solid waste containers, a resolution to keep closed session minutes closed, and initial approval of the appropriations ordinance and placement on file for public consideration before adopting it in July. “It’s the budget in a nutshell,” said Alderman Ryan Inskeep.
Items for Consideration
Alderwoman Barton-Howard provided evaluations forms for department heads to review and make any changes at their committee meetings before the council can approve the forms for employee evaluations.
The council also discussed increasing the annual video gaming terminal fee, which is currently $50 per machine, noting the fee can go up to $200. City Attorney Tim Zollinger pulled up reports from April 2024-2025, saying the city saw $11 million going through Prophetstown’s machines, with a net terminal income of around $1 million and the city receiving around $53,700 in annual revenue. The council agreed to keep the rates the same but could consider it again down the road.
Consent Agenda
Approval was given for meeting minutes, financial report, bills payable, and building permits at 704 Jackson St. for asphalt shingles ($8,505), and a reroof at 309 Tree Lane ($8,000).
Reports of Department Heads
Library Trustee Cindy Sibley reported that the summer reading program is underway, and kids can still sign up. There will be a “build your own succulent garden” workshop with Blooms-a-Latte on Wednesday, June 25th. Winning Wheels and Strive residents have been coming to the library now that the elevator is fixed, and the library board is now working on a new handicap ramp.
Office Administrator Schultz was thanked for getting $14,000 in credits from ComEd, as she discovered where the city had been overpaying.
Alderman Dessing asked about voting on the fee for weekend water shut-offs since it was not on the agenda, but will be next month. He also asked that the city employee manual be updated, as it was adopted in April 1997 and last revised in 2014.
Former Mayor Steve Swanson reported that each of the “Welcome to Prophetstown” signs are maintained by nearby residents, and after 7 years of maintenance, the homeowner by the one on Springhill Road no longer wishes to do it. Swanson suggested sending them a thank you and getting a community group to take over maintenance.
He also reported that Calvin Bebon is set to purchase lot #5 at the new business park at the former Halpin property and the Swedish industrial company interested in lots #1-2 is “in limbo” due to the political climate.
The city may also have access to more community funding from FNB, in addition to the $50,000 they received last year where $5,000 spent on sidewalks, $10,000 for the alley by Les Wilson’s property, and $35,000 to extend sewer to the industrial park. Swanson suggested using the funding on curb and gutter or new streetlights, with the current ones installed in the 1950s. If they go that route, they’d have to replace aluminum wiring with copper. They could get more efficient LED lights and enhance downtown like other surrounding communities have done.
Prophetstown Police Department’s annual Dick Brown Fishing Derby is on Saturday, June 14th at the State Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with 3 different age brackets for fishing and prizes galore for each, including 15 new bikes that were in the City Hall lobby.
Public Comments
Bobi Jo Totten of Semper Fi Slots & Oorah BBQ had a “hindsight contribution,” for the council, questioning why they support more gaming venues at Casey’s and Shaw’s Marketplace. She said that it’s “not a money-making deal” as revenues are shared by the State, gaming owner, and the business, which carries it while the other two reap a third of the benefits. She added that downtown Prophetstown is a great “pathway of commerce,” and it would be silly to have more gaming venues, comparing it to having four grocery stores in town. She also requested no increase in the video gaming terminal fees, saying she already has electric and insurance costs for each machine.
The next regular meeting of the Prophetstown City Council will be on Tuesday, July 8th at 7 p.m. at the City Hall. The Appropriations ordinance is available for review below:
Prophetstown’s new well and water treatment plant on Buttercup Lane.
