The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening to review ordinance, go over committee reports, and hear from the public at their first regular meeting of 2026. The Council accepted the resignation letter of Chris Skultety, approved the low bid of $10,000 for the city-owned property at 305 E. Poplar Street, and approved the engagement letter with Hart Southworth & Witsman.
The council also approved a non-bargaining pay increase of 4% or $3,000, whichever was less, beginning January 1st. Assistant Fire Chief Cody Rogers was not thrilled and spoke in public comments concerning the pay increase, saying that when it came to cutting costs, it was always people who got cut first.
The city is behind on a pending audit and after filing an extension, City Attorney Rocci Romano insisted that the city get it taken care of sooner rather than later.
The city approved a water rate increase. It is the first water rate increase since 2017, and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says that it was well overdue, but the cost was extremely negligible. The vote was 4-3, with Aldermen Larry Budd, Kathy Driskell, and Jim Olive voting no.
Mayor Barry says that some projects that they are looking at in 2026 include work on W. Main Cross Street, Safe Routes for School, and work on the downtown square. He says he’s very optimistic that the industrial park will see activity very soon. The next city council meeting is set for January 19th.
