The Wayne City Village Board approved new garbage collection rates, a tax levy ordinance and an ambulance contract during its regular meeting Monday night. However, discussion concerning a potential agreement with the Wayne County Humane Society was tabled for the second consecutive month.
The village currently has no contract with the Humane Society, and officials say repeated attempts to contact the Fairfield-based organization have been unsuccessful.
Mayor Rocky Hedden, Village Clerk Stacy Choate and Village Treasurer Roger Noe indicated they have attempted to contact the Humane Society over the past two years without receiving a response.
The matter was first placed on the board’s agenda in October, but no representative from the organization attended that meeting.
Meanwhile, Southern Illinois Critter Fixers, a Cisne-based organization that works to control feral and stray cat populations through neutering, has been active in Wayne City and several other Wayne County communities over the past year.
In other business, trustees approved new residential garbage collection rates that will take effect December 1st.
Residents will see a $3 increase under a new five-year contract with Republic Services that was approved last month.
Commercial garbage collection rates are expected to remain unchanged throughout the contract.
Trustees also approved an ambulance contract involving Indian Prairie and Orchard townships. Wayne County 911 Coordinator Tom Windland was listed as the presenter for the agreement.
The board approved the village’s tax levy ordinance for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026, and ending April 30, 2027. The total levy amount was not provided.
In other action, trustees approved a $200 donation toward this year’s community Thanksgiving meal, traditionally hosted at JT’s Family Restaurant in Wayne City.
The board also authorized early payment of its annual insurance invoice through the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association. The early payment will allow the village to receive a one-percent discount.
Trustees additionally discussed the possibility of implementing a tax on Airbnb rentals within the village. No action was taken on the proposal.