Glen Carbon Board approves 2024 Tax Levy and Operating Budget

by Kathy Turner

GLEN CARBON — The Village of Glen Carbon Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Dec. 12 approved the 2024 tax levy and operating budget for the Village.

The tax levy, for the tax year 2023, is set at $3,242,952. This represents an increase of 4.93% in anticipated revenue but a .07% decrease in the rate for the village property owners. The increased revenue is the result of increased assessed valuations in the village.

The operating budget, published earlier for public review, was approved at a level of $35,448,392 in revenue and $38.953,733 in expenditures.

In other business, the Board approved an ordinance and change to the personnel handbook to comply with a new law effective Jan. 1. The new law – called the Illinois Paid Leave for all Workers Act – requires all employers to provide paid leave for employees whether full time or part time. It requires employers to calculate paid leave at 1 hour per 40 hours worked. There is a 90-day wait period before employees can use the paid leave.

The Board rejected all bids for the work that will construct a turn lane at Route 159 and Cottonwood Road in Glen Carbon. Bids far exceeded the estimated cost which was to be paid partly by grant funds. The excess costs were because of inflation and a requirement by the State to do all work in minimal traffic hours, outside the normal work hours. The Village will seek additional grant funds in February to address the increase in costs.

Finally, the Board approved the salary schedule for 2024 for all non-bargaining employees of the Village. A majority of the employees will see an increase of 3% with some approved at a level of 4%.

Mayor Marcus recognized Karen Hall, an employee in the Finance Department who is celebrating her 30 years with the department.

It was announced the Village Hall will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday and Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday. There will be no meeting of the Board on Dec. 26. The next meeting of the Board will be held on Jan. 9, 2024.