Du Quoin Council Votes 5 Percent Water Increase

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Du Quoin City Council Monday night approved and placed on public display an ordinance that will raise city water rates in 2010 and again in 2011 by 5 percent.

A Du Quoin resident who currently gets a bill for $58.20 for combined sewer and water service on 6,000 gallons of usage will see that bill climb to $61.30 next year and $64.50 in 2011.

Non-residents will see their current bill of $76.20 climb to $80 next year and to $83.95.

Commissioner Rex Duncan said that while major improvements have been made to the sanitary sewer system, little or no money has been spent on water lines. The city also faces renovation of its recently acquired Old Du Quoin water system and loss of revenue when the Village of Tamaroa goes to its own Rend Lake contract.

In other action:

The council approved an agreement that would fund a new downtown business called Kabinet House owned by Rosie Robinson to the tune of $2,000 a year for 15 years in TIF funds to help make renovations to the Economy Variety building (London Place). Robinson said she will sell and install cabinetry and countertops both retail and wholesale with estimated annual sales of $1.3 million the first year, growing to $2.5 million by the fifth year.

The council approved a $449,423 tax levy for 2010, but is expected to abate all but the pension expense portion. The council also approved a $65,800 library levy.

The city will pay wastewater superintendent Phil Brandenburg a $2,000 per month stipend for up to six months after his retirement until another city employee can receive his Class I operator's certificate.

Du Quoin is looking at a 2010 spending plan with an $87,000 deficit to be covered by existing reserves.

The council approved the promotion of Doug Hill to street superintendent; David Beard to assistant street superintendent; Mark Krone to interim water plant superintendent; and Jenylle Showalter to deputy treasurer. All involve a six-month probationary period.

Mayor Rednour closed the meeting by reminding all of upcoming contract talks and that they are employees of the taxpayers.