Mayor Pollard Addresses Rumors at Tuesday Oct 6 Council Meeting

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday evening for their first meeting in October.  The Council unanimously voted to approve a loan agreement with the State Fire Marshall’s office for the purchase of a new rescue vehicle. Sandra Irvine told the Council that the 20 year, zero interest loan for $325,000 has been in the works for over a year, and will require a yearly payment of $16,250 due every November 1^st.

Fire Chief Larry Hite explained that the vehicle would replace an equipment van purchased in 1984 that has become unreliable and too small for his department’s needs.  The custom built vehicle will take eight months to deliver to Carmi.

The Council also approved changes to Ordinance No 1489, which allows non-profit organizations to hold raffles in Carmi.  City Attorney Greg Stewart told the Council that the new gaming laws in Illinois necessitated the ordinance, as raffles now fall under the definition of gaming according to State statutes.  Stewart also made note that the original fee of $50 in the Ordinance was to cover costs of record keeping by the City as required by state law.  Council members decided to lower the price of a raffle license to $5 and moved that the license would only be valid for 120 days.

Mayor Jeff Pollard addressed rumors that he and his family members were illegally using gasoline from the City garage in their personal vehicles.  Stewart told the Council that he initiated an investigation into the allegations, published in a letter to the Wayne County Press by Enfield resident and former law enforcement officer Richard Gurka that appeared in the September 24^th edition.  White County Sheriff Doug Maier investigation report, which was distributed to Council members concluded that there was no wrongdoing by the Mayor and that any gasoline used was authorized by City ordinance.  Another rumor of a forged document signed by former mayor David Port was also put to rest, as Port himself said that his signature was authentic.

The Mayor also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Carmi being awarded the Large Business of the Year at Monday’s Chamber Dinner.  Halloween Trick or Treating will be from 4-8pm on October 31^st, and the public is reminded of the holiday events taking place at Burrell’s Woods October 23^rd and 24^th