High grass hold-outs in Du Quoin's sights next year

Reminiscent of another era when a handful of Du Quoin merchants would list the names atop their cash registers of people who wrote them bad checks, the City of Du Quoin next summer may start posting your phone number on the city-owned boulevard in front of your tall grass.

That goes for local property owners, out-of-town banks who don't care about the look of our neighborhoods, mortgage companies and agents of record in foreclosures.

At least you'll know who to call and complain to.

Mayor Rex Duncan Monday broached the idea after health and safety officer Ron Darnell gave the council his annual report on what it costs the city to mow derelict properties every year.

This past summer the city either mowed or contracted to mow 22 properties at a cost of $3,090. The year before it was 34 properties. Darnell said he issued 14 citations after written warnings.

City ordinances say your grass can't be more than eight inches tall. Four years ago the city began mowing these properties, then placing liens on properties for the cost of the mowing. The mayor's proposal would add shame to not keeping your property mowed.

The Du Quoin city council Monday accepted with regret the resignation of 16-year employee Jeff Whitley, the city's water superintendent, effective immediately.

Whitley is leaving the city's employ to take a position in mining. The city is advertising to fill the position.

The council also placed on file a draft copy of its 2014 budget. The budget anticipates revenue of $9.4 million and expenses of $7.7 million, but there are unknowns like the cost of Main Street resurfacing in downtown Du Quoin and some expensive tank filling compressor equipment and bunker gear for the fire department. The budget does include another $40,000 for ditching and drainage. Public administrator Brad Myers calls it a stingy budget. "This past year was a spending year. It will not be that way this year."

"We have to slow down some of the spending," said finance commissioner Kathy West.

The council approved a proclamation acknowledging 100 years of service to Du Quoin by the letter carriers' union.

The council approved rezoning the Bridal Originals property area from General Industrial to Highway Business.

The council rescheduled the Dec. 23 regular meeting to Dec. 19 to make sure the city gets its tax levy filings for 2014 into the county clerk's office on time.