Maryville department heads present annual board reports to mayor, trustees
By Kathy Turner • On Feb. 4, the Maryville department heads presented their summary of 2025 and plans for 2026 the mayor and trustees. Each department head gave a brief overview of their written reports to the board.
Fire Department
Chief Doug Dankenbring reported that the Maryville Fire Department responded to 1,901 requests for service in 2025. This is down 10 calls from last year. Broken down by types of calls, there was a 36% increase in fire calls, a 3% decrease in EMS calls, 102% increase in miscellaneous calls and an 81% increase in hazardous material calls.
In 2025, the department signed a mutual-aid agreement with Glen Carbon. This is in addition to the agreement already in place with Troy and an agreement to assist Collinsville.
The department underwent an OSHA inspection in August. Inspectors spent time speaking to staff and reviewing policies and procedures. The chief was pleased to report the inspection found no violations.
The department staff completed 2,464 hours of training in 2025. This included participation in an active shooter event recently at Anderson Hospital.
Streets Department
Bob Keplar, street superintendent, reported on completed 2025 projects. The alley between East Division and East Perry Street was reconstructed. This was in addition to the regular maintenance and repairs of village streets.
The department purchased a street sweeper (a village first), two skid steers, a power buggy and a blade and V box for the Ford F-250 truck to make street plowing more efficient.
Upcoming projects for the department will be to continue ADA improvements on West Main, complete another alley in Old Town, re-surface the Blackburn Subdivision and in front of the street shed and sealing of the parking lots at the administration building, police department and community center.
Police Department
Chief Tony Manley reported for the Maryville Police Department. Much of the information reflected on increases in calls for service. This did not necessarily mean responses to crime, but includes each time an officer initiates community service activities, park visits, etc.
Data on reported crimes in the village saw that the highest number was reports of drug cases. There were also cases of auto theft and burglaries.
What Manley was most focused on was the number of community relation events the department staff hosted in 2025. This included the Donuts Dash, Cones with the Cops, Special Olympic Torch Run, the Halloween Party, Trunk or Treat, the pet microchip and vaccination clinic, and Shop with a Cop during the holidays.
Members of the staff continue to maintain a high level of training upgrades. This includes the multi-agency active shooter training event.
Two new squad cars were put in service last year. One DEA officer was hired. And the camera system was upgraded for the department.
Water Department
Last year was the year when the department added the position of Water Plant Superintendent. Jay Wiegers was hired as the first person in that role, and he reported to the board. Residents are often unaware of the broad range of duties that water department staff have.
Staff are responsible for all locations of services requested through JULIE. In 2025, that was 8,541 in number. Staff read 4,387 meters each month. The staff was also responsible for emptying 9,568 trash cans and park pavilion cleanups between weekend events.
Two new employees were hired for the water treatment plant. They are currently undergoing training for full certification and performing an array of duties through that training period.
A new billing system was put online during the year, stream-lining the billing process.
A new garage was constructed at the water plant to house equipment. There was also an added generator for Autumn Oaks as a backup source during emergencies. The department otherwise relies on a limited number of portable generators that are moved throughout the village as need arises.
The department began planning for a per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) response with the village engineer. This will address any immediate short-term action needed and long-term plans should problems arise.
They are currently taking the steps to move from chlorine gas to hypochlorite at the plant as a disinfectant. Working with chlorine poses a threat to staff and requires special attire to enter the treatment areas.
Wiegers has implemented the process of putting together an operations guide for the department. This will allow anyone to step in and know the procedures in cases of emergency or absenteeism.
The department goals for 2026 include complete the PFAS plan, complete the hypochlorite switchover, have the two new operators complete their training programs and create a new preventative maintenance plan for the facilities to assure they are also aware of maintenance needs before they become an emergency.
