The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to start the process of obtaining a low interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to pay for a new six-million gallon a day water treatment plant. City Manager Kory Smith says the loan would also cover water mains that will transport the raw and treated water for distribution. He notes the city has been placed on the EPA’s fiscal year 2024 Project Priority List which will allow them to obtain the low interest loan. The terms of the $28-million loan includes semiannual payments with a maturity of 20 years at 1.81-percent interest. Smith says the city will also continue to apply for other grants and review funding sources to offset the costs as well. Passage will allow for the publication of notice to start the required petition period that will end on September 18th. The new plant will be constructed three-fourths of a mile southwest of the existing water treatment plant. Smith says they have been found to be in compliance by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with the National Historic Preservation Act and environmental review.
The council will also be asked to approve the final of three licenses required for pipeline crossing permits from the Canadian National Railroad for improvements on the raw and treated water mains at the Ellis and Prairie Street railroad crossings.
The council will consider an addendum to the employment agreement with Police Chief Christopher Locke. It gives him the same vacation benefits as the highest ranking officers. The city will contribute 10-percent of his salary to a pre-tax deferred compensation plan in lieu of the Police Pension or IMRF programs he is not eligible. The addendum also allows for a bonus or salary adjustment based upon the results of job performance.
The council will also be asked to pass a resolution in support of broadband being offered to all residents of Marion County.
The meeting begins at six Monday night at Centralia City Hall.
