Jefferson Council Approves Backhoe Purchase, Advances Three Tax Levies to November Ballot

Village moves quickly on equipment replacement while seeking voter approval for critical funding

Jefferson Village Council held its regular meeting Monday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m., led by Mayor James Chiacchiero. Council members in attendance included Katy Dreier, Steven Febel, Pasquale Martuccio, Karen Roderick, Steven Sekanina and Kevin Orvos.

Listen to a one-minute audio summary of the meeting here.

Emergency Equipment Resolution

Council unanimously approved Resolution 3388, authorizing the emergency purchase of a new Case 580SN 4WD T4 backhoe from Southeastern Equipment Company. The resolution allows Village Administrator Steven Murphy to trade in the village’s 2015 Case 580SN backhoe, valued at $29,500, toward the new equipment costing $140,151.04.

Murphy explained the emergency designation was necessary to secure the trade-in value before it depreciated further. The backhoe is considered the most widely used piece of equipment in the village.

Tax Levy Ballot Measures

Council passed three resolutions placing tax levy renewals before voters in November:

Resolution 3383 requests renewal of an existing 1.55 mills tax levy for general village operations, generating revenue for current expenses.

Resolution 3384 seeks renewal of a 1.00 mills levy for fire department operations, funding apparatus, buildings, water supply systems and firefighter compensation.

Resolution 3386 places a 1.55 mills levy renewal question before voters for five years to benefit Jefferson Village operations.

Department Reports

Street Department: Administrator Murphy commended the street crew for their Memorial Day preparations, noting they worked Sunday evening to complete roadway painting despite weather challenges. The department completed water catch basin repairs on East Jefferson Street at the police department driveway, saving thousands in potential contract costs.

Recreation Department: Several programs are underway including Kindergarten Kick Start (Wednesdays June 11-July 30, $110), Movies in the Park (beginning June 6), Fairy Garden Festival (June 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Autorama (June 21, 4-8 p.m.) and Summerfest/Waterwars (July 26, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.).

Safety Department: Chief Mackensen reported the successful Ride the Bike Bus to School program, with children riding from the fairgrounds to Jefferson Elementary before and after school.

Utilities Committee: Council accepted the resignation of Zachary Waters, effective June 9.

Administrative Updates

Murphy reported on ongoing wastewater treatment plant projects through VERDANTAS engineering, including phases totaling over $1.9 million. The village is also pursuing a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan through the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, with Verdantas Consultants assisting in the application process.

The administrator noted progress on sidewalk repairs for 2025 and issued two zoning permits since the last meeting, bringing the total to 15 for the year.

Financial Matters

Council approved payroll reports and the treasurer’s request to attend a Municipal Income Tax Seminar July 9-11, with costs of $400 per person for the clerk treasurer and assistant.

Recognition

Murphy announced that Roni Guerini, administrative assistant for 27 years, received the Chuck Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet May 20. Guerini was recognized for her dedicated service to Village Hall operations.

The next council meeting is scheduled for June 16.