Facing ongoing budgetary pressures, the Delavan City Council has taken decisive steps to rein in spending and reassess financial commitments, approving new oversight measures and revising the structure of a proposed tax increment financing (TIF) agreement during its most recent meeting.

In a unanimous vote, the council adopted stricter controls on city expenditures, requiring additional layers of approval for nearly all purchases. Under the new policy, any city expenditure under $5,000 must now receive prior approval from City Administrator Brian Baylor or Mayor Adam White in Baylor’s absence. Purchases exceeding $5,000 will require full council approval before any funds are spent.

Officials indicated the move is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability as the city works to address persistent financial shortfalls.
“This is about tightening up our processes and making sure every dollar is carefully reviewed,” council members noted during discussion.

The council also revisited a proposed TIF agreement with Tarter Brothers Mechanical, which is seeking assistance for exterior improvements at its property at 117 E. 4th Street. While Hometown Consulting had recommended a forgivable loan structure—consistent with past TIF agreements—the council ultimately rejected that approach.

Ward 1 Alderman Joshua Lusher voiced strong opposition to continuing the use of forgivable loans, arguing they may have contributed to the city’s current financial challenges.

“I think we should give a low-interest loan, not forgivable,” Lusher said. “I think this forgivable stuff’s part of the reason why we’re in financial trouble.”

The council agreed, amending the agreement to be a repayable loan with a 3% interest rate over a three-year term. Payments will begin 90 days after the completion of the project. The revised terms mark a shift in how the city intends to structure future economic development incentives, placing greater emphasis on repayment and fiscal responsibility.

Later in the meeting, the council entered into a closed executive session following a motion by Alderman Lusher to discuss personnel matters. The session lasted more than 30 minutes and focused on undisclosed issues.

The extended discussion prompted speculation among those in attendance, particularly in light of recent administrative turnover. Since the last time the council convened in executive session for personnel matters, two high-ranking officials—City Attorney William Connor and Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff—have resigned from their positions.

No actions or announcements were made following the closed session, leaving observers uncertain about whether additional staffing changes may be forthcoming.

As the city continues to navigate financial constraints, the council’s recent actions signal a more cautious and deliberate approach to both spending and development incentives.

The Delavan Optimist Club is inviting the community to join in a patriotic celebration as it kicks off a year-long tribute to America’s 250th birthday with a special event at Veterans Park on June 30.

The free, family-friendly gathering will begin at 6 p.m. and marks the official launch of what organizers describe as a historic initiative to honor the nation’s semi-quincentennial throughout 2026. The celebration will feature live music, community fellowship, and the unveiling of a project designed to bring visible displays of patriotism across the city.

A highlight of the evening will be a patriotic concert performed by the 35-member Pekin Park Band alongside the Delavan Community Choir. Both groups will perform under the direction of Delavan resident Steve Skinner, who is also a member of the Optimist Club. The musical program is expected to include a variety of traditional and patriotic selections celebrating the nation’s heritage.

In addition to the entertainment, elected officials from the state, county and local levels are expected to attend and participate in the festivities, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The June 30 event will also introduce the Optimists’ “Avenue of Flags” initiative, a community service project aimed at displaying more than 250 American flags throughout Delavan. Many of the flags will be sponsored in honor of local veterans, active service members, and loved ones, creating a powerful visual tribute across the community.

According to the club, the flags will be displayed on key patriotic holidays throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, the week of the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Organizers hope the displays will foster a sense of unity and pride while honoring those who have served the country.

The initiative also supports the Optimist Club’s ongoing efforts to fund youth programs and activities in Delavan, reinforcing the group’s mission of investing in the next generation.

Attendees of the June 30 event are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Complimentary grilled hot dogs will be provided to the first 250 people in attendance.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring residents together in celebration of the nation’s history while building excitement for the year ahead.
“This is a special opportunity for our community to come together in a spirit of patriotism and pride,” the Optimist Club said in its announcement.
The public is encouraged to attend and take part in what promises to be a memorable start to Delavan’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The Colony House, one of the last remaining original homes of the early Delavan settlement recently received a much-needed improvement to the walkway leading to its front porch, enhancing both safety and historic charm. The previous front walk, made of uneven flagstones, had become a concern after a visitor tripped and was injured while approaching the building.

In response, the Delavan Historical Society moved quickly to address the issue. The decision was made to remove the aging flagstones and replace them with brickwork designed to match the existing sidewalk along Linden Street in front of the Colony House.

Local resident Joshua Horning once again stepped in to help, lending his expertise to the project. Horning carefully replicated the familiar herringbone pattern he previously installed, ensuring a seamless transition between the new walkway and the existing brick sidewalk. Assisting him was his son, Bryson, who worked alongside his father during the installation.

The project began with groundwork completed by Historical Society members Jerry Engel, Mark Cunningham, and society president Mary Ruth Lowry. The team removed the old flagstones and prepared the base for the new brick path.

The finished walkway not only improves safety for visitors, but also preserves the historic look of the Colony House grounds for years to come.

Todd Schmitgall died unexpectedly of natural causes at age 60. He was born on August 8, 1965, to Kathryn (Proehl) and Michael Schmitgall of Minier, Illinois, who survive him. He was the father of three children: Samantha (Cody) VanHoose of Missouri, Thorne Klein of Colorado, and Gage Klein, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by his sisters, Michele (Nathan) Herrmann of Bloomington, Illinois, and Lura (Bill) Ludolph of Edwards, Illinois, as well as five nieces and nephews who lovingly called him their “Funcle.”

Todd attended Olympia High School and graduated in 1983. He later studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and Florida International University, earning his chef’s degree. After working in several restaurants, he became an entrepreneur and took over the Village Inn in Minier following his parents’ retirement. He later stepped away from cooking to drive semis and train other drivers, but his passion for the kitchen eventually called him back. In 2022, he opened his own restaurant in Emden, Illinois, the Dovetail Inn.

Todd was an avid golfer and rarely played without his lifelong friends Barry, Dickie, Jordan, and Michael. Their friendship remained strong through the years, and he looked forward to every Sunday spent with them on the course. His clubs will take one final ride with his friends.

Todd was surrounded by loyal employees, including his right-hand man in the kitchen, Leo. He treasured his faithful customers and countless friends, and he found joy in those daily connections. He was also blessed with supporters throughout his life, including his Aunt Marsha Kay, who championed his success from the time he was a little boy.

Todd’s family is deeply grateful for the kind words, condolences, and support he received over the years. They are comforted by the love so many people had for him. Special thanks to Mike, Gale, and Randy for their friendship.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Emden Sons of the American Legion or the Emden Fire Department.

Raise a glass and smile in memory of Todd.