Finance committee approves small donation, pump-station contract and a $1,500 façade grant

The LaSalle Finance Committee on a unanimous voice roll call approved several routine items, including a $250 donation to the Voluntary Action Center for Meals on Wheels, a three-year power contract for the city’s pump station, and a $1,500 RIP (façade) grant for property owner Gary Curtin.

The donations motion arose after members reviewed past charitable distributions. A staff member said, “We gave them $5,000 in fiscal year 2021,” noting that that amount was a one-time COVID-era pass-through; the committee said the current discretionary donation cap in the budget is $9,000 total with a $500 limit per entity. The committee voted 7‑0 to approve a $250 contribution to the Voluntary Action Center for Meals on Wheels.

On the power contract, staff presented rate tables and the consultant’s recommendation to accept a three-year supply agreement for the pump station. Committee members questioned capacity charges that may fluctuate; the committee then voted to adopt the three-year contract recommendation.

The committee also approved a façade (RIP) grant for the property at 143 Cody Street. Owner Gary Curtin confirmed his name for the record and the address; the committee moved to fund one-half of the low bid up to $1,500 and approved the grant by roll call.

Other routine business included approval of the minutes from the prior finance meeting and a review of unpaid bills. Staff noted a $293,090.73 payment to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) tied to a loan for wastewater plant construction and said that payment is part of an ongoing semiannual schedule.

The committee adjourned after confirming the city council would hold a public hearing on the appropriations ordinance later the same evening.