Wilmington City Council

Water loss issue sees resolution in Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 5:41pm

In 2021, the city of Wilmington was facing a water dilemma. Each month, during the regular meeting of the water, sewer, streets and alleys committee meeting, public works officials told the city that as much as 50% of the city’s water was unaccounted for, leaving the city with unexplained water loss of at least half the water it was producing.

But, things seem to have turned around, thanks to some new equipment and tracking.

Mayor Ben Dietz said the average monthly water loss has now been reduced to 10%, with efforts continuing to cut that even further.

Wilmington on track for huge savings this fiscal year

Published by admin on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 5:37pm

At the close of the third quarter, the city of Wilmington is on track to end the current fiscal year significantly under budget.

Finance director Matt Hoffman updated the members of the City Council during the Jan. 18 meeting of the finance committee on where the city stands with its budget projections for the 2022 fiscal year (FY22), which ends on April 30.

“Right now, we’ll be at about 82% below budget,” Hoffman reported. “We initially thought we’d spend $3.3 million, we’re going to end up somewhere around $600,000. So, there’s a $2.7 million difference.”

Wilmington creates rules and regulations for appointed officers

Published by admin on Mon, 01/10/2022 - 6:50pm

The Wilmington City Council has made some updates to the city code as the new year begins, regarding appointed officers, how they are hired, and how they’ll serve their terms.

During the final council meeting of 2021 on Dec. 21, aldermen approved an ordinance to amend the city code as it pertains to appointed officers. Specifically, the amendment addresses the positions of city administrator, finance director, city engineer and deputy clerk.

Sales tax revenue remains up for Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 01/04/2022 - 5:38pm

The city of Wilmington ended the calendar year with 86% of its budgeted sales tax revenue in the books.

On Dec. 21, the City Council reviewed its bi-monthy financial reports, showing that so far this fiscal year, which ends on April 30, the city has collected $912,119 in state sales tax earmarked for general fund. The city continues to collect better than expected sales tax this year, collecting between 20-30% above the previous year’s revenues.

Dam committee ready to present first ideas to Wilmington City Council

Published by admin on Tue, 01/04/2022 - 5:29pm

After meeting for the past few months, Wilmington’s ad-hoc dam committee is ready to present its first suggestion to the City Council regarding potential safety improvements along the Kankakee River dam.

The committee was created in the fall, when Mayor Ben Dietz asked for citizens and a handful of members from the City Council to take on the issue, in order to focus on the dam at committee level so officials can continue with the regular business of the city.

Audit shows Wilmington revenues up in FY21

Published by admin on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 4:24pm

The city of Wilmington has again received a clean audit for the last fiscal year, showing the city had increased revenues for 2021.

On Dec. 21, Lauri Pope, CPA and Senior Manager for Mack & Associates, delivered the results of the city’s financial audit for the 2021 fiscal year (FY21), which ended on April 30, during the regular meeting of the Finance Committee.

Pope told the mayor and aldermen that overall revenues were up in FY21, predominantly due to grants and contributions, such as CARES Act contributions and Rebuild Illinois grant funding.

Wilmington bids farewell to Chief Arnold

Published by admin on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 4:23pm

After seven years serving as the city’s top cop, Wilmington’s chief of police bid his final farewell this month.

Chief Phil Arnold resigned from his post last month. Arnold will start the new year in a new position as chief of the Shorewood Police Department.

On Dec. 21, Mayor Ben Dietz, the city council, and members of the Wilmington Police Department took time during the regular City Council meeting to honor and thank Arnold for his service.

Wilmington ESDA set to get new vehicle

Published by admin on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 4:20pm

Wilmington’s emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) hopes to start the new year with one additional vehicle in its fleet.

ESDA director Dennis Housman reported earlier this month to the Committee of the Whole that the Coal City Fire Protection District donated to Wilmington ESDA a used 1998 Suburban.

“It’s in rough shape, but mechanically it’s running good,” Housman told the committee on Dec. 14. “I’m thinking if we put $4,000 to $5,000 in it, we’re going to have a vehicle that we can use for the next five years probably.”

Wilmington City Council addresses “taxpayers’ bill of rights’

Published by admin on Tue, 12/21/2021 - 5:22pm

The city of Wilmington is looking to create a “taxpayers’ bill of rights,” an effort city leaders said will help put some power in the hands of business owners.

Aldermen reviewed the proposed ordinance during the Dec. 14 meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

The ordinance would create article 8 in chapter 117 of the city’s code—Municipal Taxation.

City of Wilmington is winter ready

Published by admin on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 5:15pm

This week’s weather has provided a touch of relief from the impending deep freeze of winter. But the cold and snow will be here before anyone knows it.

City officials in Wilmington said they’re ready for when the snow and ice eventually hits, and are reminding the public that certain rules and regulations come along with the appearance of Old Man Winter.