Christmas train coming December 6

By Sue Crise

“The KCS Christmas Train will come to DeQuincy again this year and will arrive on Monday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m.” announced Mayor Lawrence Henagan. “This is very good timing as we will have just had our Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, and Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Civic Club.”

This was exciting news to begin an interview with Mayor Henagan and City Planner, Mary Jo Bayles. The upcoming local election, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2, will have numerous ballot items; for DeQuincy, a continuation of a sales tax. “The DeQuincy sales tax revenue has not been affected as seriously as other local cities. The revenue has remained steady throughout the past year”, stated Henagan.

The vote will authorize cancellation and termination of the one percent tax authorized on Oct. 22, 1983 and will authorize a new period of 25 years, beginning Jan. 2, 2011, for a one percent sales and use tax within the City of DeQuincy.

The tax will fund city services including sewerage, public utilities, wastewater systems, and other public works improvement operations.

“DeQuincy has not had an increase in sewer rates for many years; residents pay $8 a month; however, material and labor costs have increased dramatically. We won’t have to raise sewer rates if the tax proposition passes”, stated Henagan. Additionally, the tax, which is a renewal, not a new tax, will help cover the increase in retirement benefits for full time police personnel.

Construction for sewer system repairs have been occurring on Smith Street. Old clay pipe is being replaced with PVC pipe. Construction work will also take place on Jefferson Street. The new generators, purchased with funds from a $750,000 grant, have been installed for the sewer lift station.