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Du Quoin commissioners approve police union contract, place 2026 budget on public display and adopt several tax levies
Summary
At their regular meeting, Du Quoin’s mayor and commissioners gave final approval to a contract with the Illinois FOP, voted to place the proposed 2026 budget on public display for two weeks, and approved multiple FY2025 tax levies and small capital items including a library sign and water system telemetry work.
Du Quoin’s mayor and city commissioners met in regular session and gave final approval to a contract with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, placed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on public display for two weeks and approved several tax levies and small capital purchases.
Commissioner Ward moved and the commission approved Resolution 2025 R11-03 authorizing a contract between the city and the Illinois FOP; the roll call recorded Commissioners Ward, K, Kirkpatrick and Mayor DS as voting yes. Mayor DS and commissioners thanked staff and the FOP negotiating team for “a lot of hours of hard work” leading to the agreement, according to the meeting record.
The commission also placed several ordinances and resolutions on public display for debate: Ordinance 2025 011-01 (levying taxes for corporate expenditures for FY25) and Ordinance 202511-03 (levying taxes for library expenditures) were approved for public display on unanimous recorded votes. The panel placed Ordinance 20251-02 (levying taxes tied to a general obligation bond for police and firefighters pensions for FY2025) on public display; that motion passed with Commissioner Ward recorded as abstaining and the other recorded members voting yes.
City staff asked the commission to put Resolution 2025 R11-04, the proposed FY2026 budget, on public display. Ruth, a city staff member, told commissioners the public-display period would be two weeks (not three). Commissioner KS moved to place the budget on public display; the motion passed on roll call with all recorded votes in favor.
On municipal cannabis tax language, city staff Kalin said the Illinois Department of Revenue implemented the municipal cannabis retailers occupation tax effective Jan. 1 and requested removing the word “pilot” from the local ordinance. Commissioners approved Ordinance 20251-04 to make that technical change; the roll call showed a 3–1 vote with Commissioner Ward recorded as voting no.
The commission approved Resolution 2025 R11-05 to purchase and install a permanent identification sign at the Du Quoin Public Library. Ruth stated, “I believe the total was $2,275,” and the resolution is written not to exceed $2,500. The motion to put the resolution on public display passed on a unanimous recorded vote.
The body also approved Resolution 2025 R11-06 to waive bidding and authorize the purchase and installation of control valves and telemetry units tied to the intergovernmental agreement with the Ren Lake Conservancy District. Staff said the work involves SCADA-related telemetry units for the city’s master control east of town; the resolution passed on a unanimous recorded vote.
In commissioners’ comments, Commissioner Mike praised recent work on Hickory Street and Maple Street, thanking staff and contractors for the improvements. Commissioners and staff also reminded residents about the downtown tree lighting and parade this weekend and exchanged Thanksgiving wishes. The meeting adjourned following a unanimous roll call motion.
What happens next: The budget and ordinances placed on public display will be available for public review and further debate during the statutory display period; final votes or additional hearings will be scheduled per local notice requirements.
