By Steven Stilt
The Wamac City Council approved a five-year contract extension with Sunrise Sanitation during its meeting on Monday evening.
The city’s current agreement with Sunrise expires August 1st.
Under terms of the new contract, rates will increase from the current cost of $13.50 per month to $16 per month during the first year, with more modest increases afterwards. Rates will rise to $16.64 in the second year of the contract, $17.31 in the third year, and $18 in the fourth year, and will remain at $18 in the fifth year.
Mayor Jackie “Butch” Mathus says the agreement with Sunrise locks in reasonable rates for the community’s customers.
“You know, with the rising costs of fuel and salary and landfill fees, these rising costs, unfortunately, is offset by the customer … but it’s really nominal, comparable to other communities, what’s being done, what their contracts are. Ours is really reasonable, so we’re very pleased with that contract.”
Council members also approved a proposal on Monday from Affordable Gas and Electric to participate in a community solar program, which offers savings in the form of Ameren bill credits.
Monday also marked the start of new terms for several city officials. Those taking the oath of office for their new terms included Mathus, as well as City Clerk Marian Suhl, Treasurer Elisabeth Jackson, and aldermen Mike Phelps, Mindy Seger, Bobby Alli, Ed McGee, and Norman Faulkner. The re-appointment of Steve Prather as police chief and director of public works was approved, as was the re-appointment of Jordan Claar as zoning officer. Faulkner was selected as mayor pro tem.
Also during the meeting, Jordan and Kristy Claar announced an upcoming “Family Fun Day” at Wamac City Park, with proceeds going toward new equipment for the police department. The Family Fun Day will be held Saturday, June 14th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will feature games, bounce houses, a dunking booth, raffles, train rides, and other activities.
Mathus reported that the annual Wamac Easter egg hunt was a big success, despite being pushed back a week due to inclement weather, and thanked all those who were involved in contributing to the event.
Jackie “Butch” Mathus (left) is sworn in for another term as mayor of Wamac on Monday. At right is City Clerk Marian Suhl. Photo by Steven Stilt.
