Chenoa approves city budget

Chenoa has approved its city budget for 2026-2027.

“It’s a balanced budget which is something that we’ve had the last three years,” Mayor David Shane said following this week’s regular Chenoa City Council meeting. “I’m really happy with where we are at.”

In the general fund, there are revenues of $1.68 million and expenses of $1.87 million.

“That’s a really conservative revenue number,” explained City Treasurer Bryan Rowold.

Deficits were reported for the motor fuel and swimming pool funds but the TIF fund showed a budget surplus. The debt service fund had a surplus as well.

“We’ll have that paid off with no problem,” noted Rowold.

An amended budget can be done at some point for anything that needs to be changed, according to Rowold.

Also at this week’s regular meeting, the Chenoa council approved an ordinance granting special use permits to allow for recreational vehicle restoration, maintenance, storage, leasing and sales in an agricultural district for motorhomes, campers and trailers. Under this ordinance, generator testing will be allowed for 30 minutes per day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The execution of a TIF Redevelopment Agreement between the city and Iron Cave Golf, LLC and Bobbi and Brian Ludwig was approved.

Council members discussed adding a food truck ordinance to the city code.

“Some of the variables would be how much to charge,” said Mayor Shane.

Shane feels the city needs this ordinance since sales tax has not been coming back. City leaders will look into this prior to the next meeting. The Chenoa EDC group has been looking at similar ordinances for Dwight and Pontiac.

“I’ll put something together that I think makes sense,” stated City Attorney Steve Mann.

A 10-year contract was approved with Axon Enterprises for police dash and body cams along with storage for all of the information.

“We already have a contract with them,” said Mayor Shane.

Attorney Mann said he was comfortable with the contract. Police Chief Travis Cornwall noted most of the agencies around here use Axon.

“Transcription comes with it as a separate thing,” added Cornwall. “My formal request would be for the 10 year.”

An EDC recommendation for Bobby Jolly to fill a seat on the EDC council was approved.

During public comment, a resident asked if it was possible to purchase a piece of property from the city near North Second Avenue. Other comments were made by a woman new to the city who asked about enforcing a burn ordinance as she head a heavy smoke smell inside her home from someone burning nearby.