 Snyder stressed that the annexation of the prisons is not a priority
for the city, and he added the city's only priority regarding the
prisons is to work to save the Logan facility from closure in 2012.
The topic came up originally when the council discussed ways to work
within state laws regarding populations and wards in
municipalities.
On June 15 it was reported at a council meeting that the city
population according to recently released census data had dropped
below 15,000. By law the city cannot have five wards and 10 aldermen
in a community this size.
To remain compliant with the law, the city will have to take
action no later than November 2012.
At the meeting in June it was discussed whether the city should
seek help in outlining new districts, and Alderman Buzz Busby said
the last time the city had sought help from the University of
Illinois.
Also discussed then was the question of how accurate the census
information actually was. The census data shows that the city of
Lincoln has a population of approximately 14,500. Alderman David
Wilmert said he thought that was within a margin of error, and he
wondered if there could be a recount.
City attorney Bill Bates agreed with Wilmert, saying it was an
excellent idea, but he wasn't sure how the city could go about doing
it. He said it would probably be the responsibility of the Census
Bureau to do the recount, and he wondered if they would be willing.
A few weeks later, on July 12, Snyder shared that he had talked
with Harris & Associates, who had recently done work for the county,
regarding the development of new wards for the city. He said the
firm had quoted a cost of $150 per hour for their work.
At that time, Snyder also said he had discussed the situation
with Darren Forgy and Lisa Kramer of Prairie Engineers, and they had
mentioned the possibility of annexing the prisons into the city to
solve the population problem.
At that meeting it was mentioned by Wilmert that in doing
something such as this, there is a concern for the effect it would
have on the county.
On Sept. 13 the topic came up again when Chuck Conzo, city
treasurer, presented information on the financial effects of
annexing the prisons.
In his presentation, he noted the city currently provides sewer
service to the two prisons at a higher out-of-town rate. If annexed,
the prisons would be entitled to a lower fee for services. He noted
this would cost the city about $116,000 a year in sewer revenues.
In addition, he said the city would be expected to provide other
services to the prisons that they are not currently giving, and
there would be additional costs to the city involved in doing so.
He also noted the city would gain some revenue from certain state
taxes, but at the same time, these are the tax revenues that have
been on a steady decline over recent years. He felt the gained
revenue would be short-lived.
Alderwoman Melody Anderson also commented, saying this would have
an effect on the sewer department because they have to be
self-sufficient. Therefore, the dollars lost in that department
could not be supplemented by state tax revenues gained.
During those discussions it was once again mentioned that the
annexation would have an effect on the county and some of the local
townships as well.
On Sept. 15 when the Logan County Board met, finance chair Chuck
Ruben asked for a poll of board members to determine if there was an
agreement that the county should seek legal counsel to fight the
city on the annexation of the two prisons.
Ruben said there were attorneys who specialize in annexation law
who could be hired to assist the state's attorney's office in the
matter. He also estimated the cost of such a legal battle would run
in the range of $400,000.
At that meeting it was agreed unanimously to place it on the
agenda to vote for or against hiring outside legal representation.
The following Tuesday, the county board met for their voting
session, and the motion was on the agenda. However, in the days that
had passed, some of the board members had reconsidered their
positions, and the majority were not in favor of hiring an
attorney.
Board member Andy Anderson said then that he believed the county
and city could work this out, and member Pat O'Neill said he thought
there needed to be a recount for the city to be sure the census
information is correct.
Others questioned the high cost of hiring the specialized
attorneys.
After much discussion, the motion was amended to spend $200,000
for legal fees, but when it came to a vote, the motion was
defeated.
[to top of second column] |
At this week's voting session of the Lincoln City Council, Snyder
addressed this situation with a written statement.
Snyder opened by saying: "Let me, before we are done for tonight,
I want to make a statement about something that I think most of us
would consider to be a nonissue. But let me make the statement we
have never had as a priority or had anything other than a topic of
minor discussion the issue of annexing the two correctional
centers.
"It was mentioned as something to consider at one of our
meetings, and treasurer Conzo then reported back to us the possible
financial implications, and that has been the entire extent of our
discussions."
He spoke to the council and asked, "Am I correct?" To which the
majority said out loud that he was.
Snyder continued: "Anyone who has suggested that we have any kind
of agenda to pursue annexation at any point in the next year is
incorrect; we do not. Let me just say that the city of Lincoln's
sole and top priority right now with regard to the prisons in our
community is to save Logan Correctional Center.
"If at some point we do decide to even consider further the
possibility with any seriousness of annexation, I would give my
word, and the council I'm sure would give its word, our first
conversation will be with any other governmental bodies impacted. We
would not pursue any course of action without doing so.
"I hope this makes things very clear for anyone making decisions
regarding the expenditure of taxpayer money."
When Snyder finished, he asked if any council members would like
to comment or add to his comments.
Alderwoman Melody Anderson said she'd like to thank Snyder for
the statement. She asked if she could have a written copy to deliver
to Andy Anderson, her husband, who is a county board member.
She said he has been trying to make headway in clarifying the
city's position, and she believed the written statement would be
helpful.
Alderwoman Marty Neitzel said she'd had personal discussions with
a county board member, and she understands they are going to lay
money aside (for legal fees).
Alderman Tom O'Donohue also commented, saying if they had
$200,000 to lay aside, they should devote it to saving Logan
Correctional Center instead of fighting a battle that doesn't
exist.
The county board will meet tonight. It is unknown whether or not
this topic will be discussed then.
[By NILA SMITH]
Related past articles
-
June 15, 2011
-- City Briefs:
City redistricting would cut aldermen to 8
-
July 13, 2011
-- City Briefs:
Water shut-offs, stop signs and more
-
Sept. 14, 2011
-- City Briefs:
Prison closure, potential ward changes,
sewer problem and more
-
Sept. 16, 2011
-- County Briefs:
County prepares to contest city
annexation, discuses raises for nonunion employees and more
-
Sept. 24, 2011
-- County Briefs:
Board struggles with possible annexation
contest with city; approves nonunion pay raises, request for
public transportation funds, letter of support to keep prison
open and more
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