Village of Benton

The board discussed and passed a resolution regarding the Lafayette County EMS, noting that signing the resolution would allow the village to receive funds in 2024. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved a Class "B" Beer and "Class B" liquor license for Whitey's Bar & Grill, LLC.

The Board authorized the purchase of a new sewer chopper pump and granted an access easement on parcel #107.0335.2200. Additionally, the Board established a starting wage range and benefit structure for the deputy clerk/treasurer position following changes to the existing staffing partnership arrangement.

The board held a special meeting to discuss and approve employee wages for 2024. After reviewing data including area wage surveys, previous year increases, and retirement data, the board passed a motion to provide specific hourly increases for staff, including differentiated amounts for linemen, sewer and water employees, the village clerk, and the police chief. Additionally, the board discussed and approved short-term borrowing of $175,000 from Benton State Bank to increase the tax levy.

The board discussed engineering consulting services for the Hwy 11 water main project and received progress updates regarding the community building construction and wastewater treatment plant interceptor project. Various community building facility issues were reviewed, including furniture/fixture bidding and cooling system electrical requirements. Several Certified Survey Maps for parcel mergers were approved, and a new recycling ordinance was adopted. The board also addressed employment matters in closed session, tabled a decision on a part-time clerical police assistant position, approved an employee wage increase for 2026, and authorized the payment of village claims.

The meeting focused on legalizing appointments following the resignation of the Village President. The Board approved the appointment of an interim Village President to serve the remainder of the term and appointed an individual to fill the vacant interim Village Trustee position until the upcoming election.