Mayor Naseman says Franklin Township fire-contract misinformation is false; council discusses $4,000 annual increase

Mayor Cindy Naseman told the Village of Anna council on March 11 that statements circulating after a Franklin Township meeting suggesting the village sought funds to remodel Village Hall were false and urged members to align remarks with council-approved positions.

"The statement was made that the Village needs the funds to remodel the Village Hall. This information is false," Naseman said to clarify the village's position and to explain that proposed increases to the township contract are intended to update compensation to the fire department, not to fund other village projects.

The finance committee reported that Franklin Township, after attorney discussions, proposed a $4,000 per year increase to the township fire contract for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Committee members present at the Finance and Personnel meeting recommended acceptance of the increase; council discussion in the March 11 meeting recorded that all council members except Mark Pulfer were at the committee meeting and that Pulfer later indicated he also agrees with the figure.

Council and staff also discussed personnel-policy issues raised at the Finance and Personnel meeting. Fiscal Officer Stacy Meyer described options for handling vacation accrual under a new handbook policy, including a one-time prorated balance deposit for employees. Councilmember Ken Aselage noted the implementation of comp time for overtime as a measure to help employees with limited vacation accrual.

No formal motion or roll-call vote on the Franklin Township contract increase is recorded in the meeting minutes provided; the discussion appears as committee-level recommendation and council clarification. The council will address related intergovernmental-contract details in future committee or council meetings where formal action would be recorded.