At the last Board Meeting May 28, 2024, I submitted a letter to the Board for taking a leave of absence as mayor to deal with issues I’m having with my health at this time. The Board has appointed Tammy Berens as President Pro Tem to replace me for an undetermined amount of time.  If all goes well, I’m hoping to return later this fall to finish my term that ends April 2025.

Please show Tammy the same respect you have given me as she takes on this responsibility. The job of being a mayor can sometimes be daunting… there is a lot more to it then most people realize. And we are quite a busy little town.

The major water tower project is now complete, however, we have many pending projects.

Soon they will be upgrading the water treatment plant by installing a new iron/manganese filter system.  Being paid for by a debt forgiveness loan provided by the Illinois EPA (IEPA).  <lots of paperwork>

We will be doing Street Work later this summer using our Motor Fuel Tax Revenue <again, lots of paperwork> repaving some streets throughout town.

We also have our unsewered community grant which is paying to investigate solutions to sewage treatment for the village. The report is close to being finalized and submitted to the IEPA. Hope to have more news soon. <probably more paperwork>

A future project that Cullom qualified for will be used to upgrade the Cullom Village Park… we’re just getting started on this project… construction won’t start for a year or so. <everything takes time and more paperwork>

The Board is also working on upgrading village zoning and investigating tiling issues. As I said, there is a lot going on.

At this time, I’m going to have to concentrate on my health first and some family issues as well. I will still be helping out the best I can to keep things proceeding along.

And with the new employees, Melissa DuVall, Jordan Spangler, Ryan Reiniche and the Board’s help; I know Tammy can handle it all… the paperwork, emails, questions… it’s never-ending. Being a mayor is not a 9-5 job. It is something you have to think about, a lot, especially, the paperwork <grin>

Cullom has a talented working Board of Directors, and a very qualified engineering team to keep moving the village forward.

I’ll just ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers. I’m doing okay.

Barbara Hahn