Mercer County Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey

Input is needed in the development of a plan to lessen the impact of natural hazard events on residents and communities of Mercer County.  The information gathered from this survey will assist the Steering Committee working on this plan to determine the activites that should be implemented to protect lives and property in the event of a natural hazard event.  Please comlete the survey using the link provided or from your survey facilitator.  Those surveys filled out by hand may be conveniently returned to the Mercer County Courthouse, Mercer County Health Department, or the Mercer County University of Illinois Extension Office.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1lIJDIaG4ByMG7zdRTOv7g_3d_3d

Identity Theft Program

To comply with Federally-mandated regulations we must have an Identity Theft Program in place.  Please Help us by bringing your driver's license into City Hall and signing a form.  City Hall Office Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Aledo Census 2010

In order to accurately assess the number and location of the people living within the nation's borders, the U.S. contstitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.  The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress.  Also, the census determines the amount of state or federal funding communities receive over the course  of the decade.

Roughly, $300 billion is distributed to municipalities annually for neighborhood improvments, public health, education, roads and transportation, and community programs.  Funding levels for these critical services are based on Census data and population counts.

It's crucial to know that responses are protected by law ( Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9).  Only summary information is published; detailed data and individual responses are held strictly confidential. 

The 2010 Census will be a short-form only census and will count all residents living within the United States as well as ask for name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure-taking just minutes to complete.  Forms should be filled out and returned to the U.S. Census in the postate -paid  envelope.

For more information visit the 2010 Census website at http://www.census.gov/2010census/.

Water Project Update

The new water tower is completed at a cost of $884,900 and the NE water mains have been replaced at cost of $324,474.  Both projects were financed by the Illinois Finance Association.  The existing SE water tower will be refurbished and the NE tower (constructed in 1905) will be decommissioned and demolished in 2009.

Water Dept.

The City is applying to the Illinois EPA for stimulus funding for continued water main replacement projects.

Water & Gas Meters

The City continues to replace or upgrade its utility meters with the new radio read type.  The new meters will allow the City to read the entire city in an afternoon instead of two men over a few weeks.  Contrary to rumors, the meters can’t listen in on conversations, track phone or computers or invade your privacy in any way.  The meters only transmit  your water and gas usage.  The City has estimated in the past that the difference between the amount of water pumped and the amount billed is up to 2,000,000 gallons a month.  Much of this water “loss” may be attributable to old and malfunctioning meters.  The City appreciates the cooperative nature of its residents and business owners, who have been kind enough to let our meter installers into their homes and stores.  As of the end of September, 2009, the City has replaced over 1000 of approximately 1700 water meters and over 1000 of approximately 1700 gas meters.

Street Dept.

Director of Public Works, Steve Moller, would like to request that all citizens please make every effort to keep yard waste out of the city streets, as this can potentially create blockages in the storm sewer catch basins causing water drainage problems.

Street Improvement Update

The City has been saving its Motor Fuel Tax money in order to do a more sizeable project in 2009.  The City plans to spend approximately $325,000 for road repairs and resurfacing.  The Hot Mix Overlay began the end of July by Valley Construction and was completed the beginning of August.  The final portion of the MFT Program is set to begin August 17, 2009 and anticipated to be completed by early September.

TIF Money Available

Tax Increment Finance grants and loans are available for commercial building projects in the TIF District.  Businesses are eligible for 50-50 awning grants and building façade improvements.  Other types of commercial projects are also eligible.  Please contact City Hall at 582-7241 for further information.

Download the Aledo Strategic Plan
 strategic-plan.pdf (111.08 KB)