City Council Meeting Minutes – Special Called Meeting 07/17/2026

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Friday, July 17, 2026 — 9:15 A.M.

Campbell Building, 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Messersmith called the special meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Mayor Messersmith directed City Clerk Brook Craig to take roll. All council members were present: Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.

Mayor Messersmith noted the meeting was called by Commissioner Cathy Garavalia and that the agenda was available for council’s reference.

Public Comment

Mayor Messersmith opened the floor for public comment. One member of the public was present: Chief Shane Cockrum. No public comments were made.

Item 1 — Discussion and Approval of Formal Proposal to West City for Fire Protection

Mayor Messersmith introduced the item and asked whether the matter needed to be discussed in open or closed session given the presence of financial figures.

Commissioner Garavalia stated that she had presented numbers to the Council for review and that this item constituted a proposal only. She noted that negotiations with West City remain active but that the city had been delayed in responding to West City’s proposal. The purpose of this item is to keep those negotiations moving forward. She emphasized that the proposal is non-binding and represents an estimate of proposed coverage, with final terms subject to approval by each respective council.

Commissioner Garavalia further stated that the city attorney is fully supportive of proceeding and indicated the fire chief could transmit the proposal on his letterhead. She found no basis for going into closed session and stated the city should move forward.

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to move forward with the proposal, present it to West City, and advance the merger offering fire protection to West City. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote: Yeas – 4 (Storey, Cockrum, Garavalia, Messersmith); Nays – 0; Abstain – 1 (Kays). Motion carried.