Arthur Village Board sets new compensation terms for new incoming members

Open seats available on the board for spring election

By ARIANA R. CHERRY
Staff Writer
Treasurer Mike Hilgenberg reported $76,957.67 in expenditures at the most recent Village Board meeting on October 5. Of those expenses, $12,500 was for the annual audit that was performed. The auditor informed the board that the general fund was up $300,000. In the audit, it did note that the water and sewer fund was down, but it was possibly because of the current situation with COVID, since penalty fees had been removed. It was also noted that operating fees were down $5,000 from last year. Board members decided that they would continue to review the audit before making a final motion to accept it. They will vote on it at the next meeting.

Police Chief Michael Goodman reported that since putting up the sign on West Prairie Street, several citations have been written and more enforcement has been completed in that area. Goodman also stated that the 2013 car has been out of service, and parts have been purchased for it so that they can begin taking bids.

The Arthur Community Bank will be having customer appreciation day on October 16. They have requested to reserve parking spaces on the south side of Illinois Street next to their building. As part of customer appreciation day, the Arthur Community Bank will be handing out bagged lunches from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Village Board members approved their request for the additional parking space from 10am to 3:00 pm.

For next year’s spring election, there are open vacancies on the Village Board: Trustees (4 available seats), Clerk, and Mayor. Board members discussed changing the compensation, as it hadn’t been done in several years. In the past, compensation had been based on attendance at meetings. “None of us do this for the money, and we have good attendance,” said Village Board President, Rod Randall. After some discussion, the board came to an agreement for the following terms for compensation: Clerk and Trustees: $100/per meeting and $50 for any extra or special meetings and Village President: $175/per meeting and $50 for any extra or special meetings. Payments would be made quarterly to members. After creating an ordinance with the new compensation schedule, the terms would be applicable for any new incoming members who join the board.

Before the meeting closed, Halloween and trick-or-treating hours were discussed. Randall noted that they had not received any specific guidance from the local health department aside from following the suggestions given by the CDC. He also said that other area towns weren’t sure of their plans for Halloween yet. After sharing some discussion, Randall said he would set trick-or-treating hours from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 31. Those who want to participate could, and those who don’t, they can simply leave their lights off. In a press release, he did state that those who participate in the “festivities,” that they follow the guidelines set by the CDC. “Halloween Guidance” can be found on the right-hand side on the Village of Arthur’s website at https://www.arthur-il.gov/.