Pinckneyville Commissioners: It's Time to Collect
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Monday's treasurer's report at the Pinckneyville City Council meeting shows a likely $44,000 shortfall at month's end, but hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the city's accounts receivable ledger.
Commissioner August Kellerman took a deep breath and said, "We're gonna have to collect some of the money we're owed.
"Pinckneyville can't keep paying out without getting anything back in. We're owed over $500,000."
There are two customers at the top of the list: the state prison and a private business. Together they owe the city more than $500,000.
The prison is responsible for more than half the amount, however the city under its contract with the state is unable to take any action to collect it. A clause keeps the city from shutting down the prison's sewer, water and natural gas services. The state is now seven months behind on their payments.
"We wouldn't be in this position if people would just pay their bills," Commissioner Kellerman said.
The council entered executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss actions that could be taken against either party. Commissioner Kellerman said he had a few ideas on how to get the job done. No action was taken after executive session.
The city also entered into agreements to become a member of the Fairview-Heights-based Southwestern Illinois Tourism Bureau. The bureau is the largest in the state south of Chicago, promoting events in nine counties. The agreement was reached to improve tourism revenue.
The cost to the city is a minimum of $2,400, much of that to be used in publishing and promoting local events.
Other items covered on the agenda:
A person interested in the TUMS building will be taking a third tour of the building. Equipment from the building is to be appraised to help determine total cost.
Approved a request from First Presbyterian Church to collect for the American Cancer Society on May 23, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at locations around the square and the four way stop.
Approved a request from acting Fire Chief James D. Gielow to send up to six firefighters to Fire College May 28-31, 2009 at an estimated expense of $1,800.
Approved a request from the fire department to apply for FEMA assistance to firefighter's grant for 2009. The grant states that FEMA will pay 5% of the matching funds, putting a majority of any purchases on the city. Percents are based on population.
Approved designation of a section of Laurel Street north of the hospital to be for hospital parking only to be used for MRI and PET scan devices. An ordinance for this change to the street is currently being prepared.
Authorized $500 from the hotel and motel tax to be paid to the high school for new netting at the ball park.
Authorized Communication Technical Services to install and update Fundware financial software in the City Clerk's office as well as check on site for virus' and install addition RAM at an approximate total of $550.
Charles Greer, representing the American Thresherman Association attended the meeting to discuss work at the City Park. A new building is planned for north of the pavilion. New bleachers have been purchased for use throughout the park, and some fencing will be removed from the ballpark temporarily on August 10 for room to show tractors. Fencing will be put back up the day after the show.
Placed on file a contract with Cynthia Heisner to work as pool manager at $12.00 an hour.
Extended a contract with J & S Services for mowing of the park, lake, and advocacy center for one year.
Extended a contract with Jim Boyd for services at city park for one year.
The city is moving to annex the Cooper B-LINE property. A public hearing for the annex is set for the next city council meeting, Monday, April 13, shortly before the meeting at 7 p.m.