By KIP CHEEK

Staff writer

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council approved the city tax levy and hired several new employees at its Dec. 18 regular meeting.

Alderman Vicki Johnson presented the names of two people for recommendation to hire for the city. The council approved the employment of Ali Braboy as grant manager effective Jan. 2, 2024, and Maria Arteaga as project coordinator effective Jan. 22, 2024. Also, the council agreed to enter into a contract with the Mendota YMCA for a youth coordinator position.

Alderman Kyle Kim’s report included an ordinance approved by the council for ambulance and fire billing, after which, the council agreed to the establishment of new ambulance and fire fees for the new year.

Alderman John Holland informed fellow council members that there was no change to the preliminary tax levy the council reviewed at the first meeting in November. With that said, the council approved the 2024 tax levy in the amount of $2.274 million. Taxpayers in Mendota should see a slight decrease in the city portion of their next tax bill.

In other action from Holland’s report, the council approved amending the employee manual pertaining to vacation and sick days. The council renewed health, dental and vision insurance. Holland noted that the Blue Cross Blue Shield premium actually decreased by .41 percent. Finally from Alderman Holland, the council approved holiday bonuses in the amount of $100 Chamber Bucks for all full-time employees.

The meeting concluded with Bill Kobilsek of the Police & Fire Commission performing a swearing-in ceremony for new Mendota firefighter/paramedic Ben Daly to the Mendota Fire Department.

Daly was born in Washington, D.C., and has lived in Chicago the last four years. He attended Malcom X College for his paramedic degree and Prairie State College for his basic operations firefighter. For approximately the next month, he will be in training with the department before being placed on a shift.

The city will be testing again in the near future to hire two additional full-time personnel.

Mayor David Boelk wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.