Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for June 23, 2025

The Beecher Village Board used its June 23 meeting to address major upcoming fiscal and policy changes, including a state-level decision that could cost the village over $200,000 in annual revenue. President Marcy Meyer announced that the state is eliminating its 1% grocery tax in 2026, a revenue stream that flows directly to municipalities. The board is now considering enacting its own local 1% tax to prevent the significant budget shortfall. For more on this developing story, read the full article here.

The board also took steps to modernize its zoning code, approving text amendments that add comprehensive regulations for solar and wind energy systems. These rules, which cover everything from residential rooftop panels to large-scale wind farms, had previously been omitted from the official ordinance. Details on the new renewable energy rules can be found in the complete story.

In other news, the board celebrated a long-serving employee, heard updates on village projects, and approved nearly half a million dollars in bills.

Well #5 Reconstruction Nearly Complete
Public Works Superintendent Matt Conner reported that the reconstruction of Well #5 is almost finished. The rehabilitation work and the new pump have been installed, and the well was flushed extensively. The village is awaiting results from EPA testing, and the well is expected to be back online by Thursday.

Public Safety Facility Fence Installation Begins
Work on the new Public Safety Facility continues, with the fence scheduled to be installed this week. The installation is expected to be a week-long process. The board is still addressing a few remaining punch-list items for the new building.

Flagpole to be Installed at Fireman’s Park
A 60-foot flagpole is being installed at Fireman’s Park this week as a donation to the village from resident Artie VanBaren. The flagpole will be located between the Big 6 building and the stage. VanBaren is covering the cost of the pole, flag, and installation, and will also handle future maintenance.

Little Free Library Donated
A “Little Free Library” book box will be installed in front of the new Public Safety Facility. The old-style police call box was donated by Mann Made Plumbing and will allow residents to take and leave books for community sharing. Superintendent Matt Conner is coordinating the installation.

Bills Totaling $407,587 Approved
The board unanimously approved a motion to pay a list of bills and payroll since the last meeting in the amount of $407,587.43. The village’s annual audit is also set to begin soon, with auditors scheduled to be in the office on July 9th.

MFT Funds Appropriated for Street Maintenance
Trustees unanimously passed Resolution #2025-04, formally appropriating Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the maintenance of village streets for fiscal year 2025/26. The resolution, which reflects amounts already approved in the village budget, is required to be filed with the Illinois Department of Transportation. The amount appropriated for maintenance is $123,470.

Surf Internet Fiber Installation Progresses
An update was provided on Surf Internet’s fiber optic installation in the village. Crews have been working in the Fairway Drive area and will next move to the area north of Miller Street and west of Dixie Highway, including the Country Meadow subdivision. The village will post contact information on its website for residents who have questions or issues.