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City of St. Charles Financial Reporting Earns Award

37th Consecutive Year

City of St. Charles financial reporting practices have earned recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). For the 37th consecutive year, the City of St. Charles’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It recognizes the City of St. Charles for showing a spirit of full disclosure in clearly communicating the City’s financial picture as of the end of the fiscal year.

New Refuse Collection Contract Approved

Effective July 1, 2023

A new five-year contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems was approved at the June 19, 2023, City Council Meeting. New rates go into effect July 1, 2023 for City of St. Charles residents.

Stickers purchased prior to July 1, 2023 are valid through July 31, 2023, so residents can use their current supply.  After July 31, if residents still have unused stickers they can exchange them at the Utility Billing Office, 2 E. Main Street.

2023 Refuse Rates

Robert Gehm Appointed Alderperson of Ward 3

Bob Gehm

Robert Gehm has been appointed Alderperson of Ward 3. Gehm replaces former Alderperson Todd Bancroft who retired. Bancroft remained in the position until a replacement was qualified, following John Edward Frank’s withdrawal from the seat he won in the 2023 Consolidated Election.

Gehm has lived in St. Charles for 33 years and has served on the Liquor Control Commission for the last 10 years. Gehm currently is the Finance Manager at Ox Industries in Aurora. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill.

New Sales Tax Rate Effective July 1

The City of St. Charles Home Rule Sales Tax on “General Merchandise” will increase from 1.0% to 1.5% effective July 1, 2023. The .5% increase, or 50 cents on $100, will provide a consistent, dedicated revenue stream to fund ongoing improvements to City roads and related infrastructure. This sets the new total General Merchandise rate for the City at 8.5%.

First Installment of Property Taxes Due June 1

Property Tax Info

The first installment of property taxes is due June 1. The City is one of 10 taxing bodies itemized on your bill. The City's portion of your entire property tax bill is about 10 percent. This year, a resident in a $300K home will pay $790 to the City. (About 10% of the total property tax bill.) That helps pay for a full year of City Services.

Please note the City has no authority regarding taxes from any other taxing body, such as the school district, park district, etc.

Annual July 4th Fireworks Launch Location Moved to Langum Park

The Annual July 4th Fireworks will be launched from Langum Park, located at 7th and Madison Avenues in downtown St. Charles. The move is in response to public safety recommendations on behalf of emergency responders, led by the St. Charles Police Department, working in collaboration with the St. Charles Park District. This new launch site allows the fireworks to be seen along the Fox River, with the best viewing locations on the south side of downtown St. Charles.

June Utility Bills Reflect Rate Changes for Water and Sewer

No Change for Electric Rates

Utility rate adjustments for City of St. Charles water, sewer, and electric utility customers were approved at the May 1, 2023, City Council meeting and become effective on the utility bills issued in June. At the meeting, a 6% increase in water rates and sewer rates was approved. The City recommended no adjustments in the electric rates.

Welcome City Council Members

Elected in the April 4, 2023 Election

Elected Officials to be Sworn In
The April 4 Election returned some familiar faces to the St. Charles City Council. It also resulted in a couple of new faces. All will be administered the Oath of Office by the honorable Judge Elizabeth Flood at the May 1 City Council Meeting. Everyone is invited to attend this traditional event which starts at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, 2 E. Main Street.

John Edward Frank has withdrawn from the Ward 3 alderperson position. A candidate will be sought to fill the Ward 3 spot.

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