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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - June 2025 |
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Property Tax breakdown: Who gets what, by percentage
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The City is one of 10 different taxing bodies itemized on your property tax bill. The City’s portion of your entire property tax bill is about 10 percent.
To see your property tax bill and the breakdown of how much goes to which taxing body, visit Kane County Treasurer and click on “Print a Property Tax Bill.”
To see what the City's portion of property taxes helps pay for, click the "More Information" button.
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2025 Water Quality Report released
City's tap water meets all EPA health standards
Every year the City's Water Division distributes a report that summarizes the quality of the City’s drinking water. We are pleased to report again this year that your tap water met all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water health standards. The water is tested in accordance with strict EPA regulations, so you can be assured your drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds all water quality standards as listed in the Safe Drinking Act.
For more information, contact the Illinois EPA at 217.785.4787 or the Public Works Department at 630.377.4405 or pw@stcharlesil.gov.
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NEW! St. Charles City Insider podcast to debut this month
 >>In Episode 1 of the City Insider podcast, premiering later this month, Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe (left) and Police Patrol Commander Rob Vicicondi (right) join hosts Lisa Garhan (second from left) and Kara Silva from the City’s communications division for an important conversation on mental health for first responders.
Episodes in limited series explore human side of public service
We’re excited to introduce City Insider, a new limited-series podcast that brings you behind the scenes of the essential services the City of St. Charles provides every day. From powering homes to protecting neighborhoods, each episode highlights the people and stories behind the work that keeps our community running.
Episode 1: Mental Health for First Responders
Join hosts Kara Silva and Lisa Garhan of the City's communications division as they speak with Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe and Police Patrol Commander Rob Vicicondi about the evolving conversation around mental health in emergency services — how it's changing and why it matters.
Inside City Hall segment
After the main topic, episodes wrap up with Inside City Hall, a secondary segment that introduces listeners to the elected leaders of St. Charles. In this debut episode, we sit down with newly elected Mayor Clint Hull, who shares his insights on city leadership and reflects on his first days in office.
Watch the City's website and social media channels for an announcement later this month of the official air date of the City Insider podcast!
 >>City Insider podcast hosts Lisa Garhan (far right) and Kara Silva of the City's communication division sit down with Mayor Clint Hull for a special segment highlighting the City’s elected officials.
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City launches online portal for license, special event applications
The City is excited to announce the launch of a new online portal designed to streamline the application and renewal process for business-related licenses and special event permits.
The online portal allows applicants to easily submit, track and manage requests all in one place. For added convenience, the portal will also accept payments online via eCheck, Mastercard, Visa and Discover (service fees may apply).
Whether you're a new business owner applying for a liquor license or a resident planning a community event, the new portal makes it simple and straightforward to complete your application.
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Accepting Applications for City Clerk — submit by June 9
Interested in becoming the next City Clerk? Duties include attending all City Council Meetings, taking meeting minutes, and signing official documents. Candidates must reside within City of St. Charles limits and submit a letter of interest with a resume by June 9 to Deputy Clerk Marzena Sheets at msheets@stcharlesil.gov. Mayor Clint Hull will review the candidates and make an appointment with the advice and consent of the City Council.
A special thank you to Nancy Garrison for coming out of retirement to serve as Interim Clerk!
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Upcoming meetings, office closures
All City offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. As always, police, fire, and emergency services will remain available 24/7.
June meetings schedule:
 >> All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions on YouTube afterward. To join a meeting on Zoom, visit the Meetings page on the City website and click on the meeting you want to attend. Follow the instructions for joining the meeting and submitting public comments.
 >>The Fox River Dam Joint Task Force meeting originally scheduled for June 5 has been postponed until further notice.
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Whole Foods Market to open June 25!
 >>Whole Foods Market will open its St. Charles location at 300 S. 2nd Street on June 25 at 9 a.m.! Featuring 650+ Midwest-based suppliers, read more on their website about the new store's features and special happenings on opening morning.
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Welcome to St. Charles new businesses!
(Photo provided by The Victorian Fox.)
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Recent police and fire incident reports in St. Charles
Visit our website for the latest press releases issued by the St. Charles Police and Fire departments.
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Quick Code Check
Don’t overstay your visit: 24-Hour parking limit
Whether you're heading out of town or just settling in at home this summer, it's important to know the rules when it comes to street parking. According to City Ordinance 10.40.010, vehicles may not be parked on any public street or public area for more than 24 consecutive hours. Leaving your car too long could lead to a citation — or worse, a tow. Keep it moving to stay in the clear!
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New officer sworn in May 16 at police station
 >>Mary Jo Knipp, a member of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, swore in new Officer Michael Thorpe (#401) to the St. Charles Police Department on May 19 at the police station.
Charity basketball game raises funds for Special Olympics
 >>The St. Charles Police Department defeated Addison Police Department during a friendly, charity basketball game in May at Thompson Middle School in St. Charles. Our Police raised $3,360 for Special Olympics Illinois.
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Police gather to honor officers killed, injured in line of duty
 >>Last month, the City of St. Charles Police Department joined other officers for the Kane County Chiefs of Police Annual Police Memorial at Mooseheart's House of God Chapel in Batavia. The day honored officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty and extended gratitude to active and retired officers and their families.
>>Photo below: Officer Luke Hohman lights the candle representing the St. Charles Police Department during the memorial ceremony.
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June Brush Collection
The Brush Pickup program runs through November.
East Side: June 16
West Side: June 23
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Sidewalk Survey: Share input on sidewalk gaps in St. Charles
The City of St. Charles has developed a Sidewalk Program Public Feedback app, which allows residents to provide valuable input on sidewalk planning in their neighborhoods. Resident feedback will help us decide where sidewalks are needed, where they may not be wanted, and where improvements are necessary. Feedback will be a key component in determining project prioritization.
The comments will be incorporated with other criteria, such as constructability and coordination with other work, to help guide the City in future project selection. The Survey will close Wednesday, July 2.
To take the survey, follow the below link and then:
- First, click the blue "Continue" button on the pop-up window.
- Then click the blue "Submit" button in the lower-left corner of the screen.
- Enter your feedback.
- Click "Submit" AGAIN to send.
Note: For help understanding map symbols and categories, be sure to check the key in the upper-right corner of the screen. The map legend is the square that looks like it has a list of bullet points.
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 >>Main Street Crossing to 1st Street Plaza North Entrance.
Two downtown pedestrian improvement projects begin this week
The City's Public Works Department has entered the final phase of the 1st Street Plaza project, a major milestone aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle access downtown.
This week, we're adding a new crosswalk on Main Street at the 1st Street Plaza entrance and installing a new pedestrian refuge island on Illinois Street that will also include dedicated bike lanes between Riverside Avenue and 1st Street.
Work requires lane closures and changing traffic patterns on both Main Street/IL 64 at the 1st Street Plaza north entrance, and on Illinois Street, just west of the Fox River. Work on these projects is coordinated to help minimize the traffic disruption through the downtown area.
 >>Illinois Street Crossing at the Fox River Trail.
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Riverside Culvert Replacement Project substantially complete
 >>The Riverside Culvert Replacement Project at Moore and Riverside avenues was substantially complete — ahead of schedule! To reduce flooding risks and improve drainage, the City replaced the undersized culvert carrying the 7th Avenue Creek under Riverside Avenue (IL-25) in 2025. This will help prevent road overtopping and increase drainage capacity at the creek’s outlet.
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 St. Charles 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project gets underway
The 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project is underway. The Construction Phase is expected to start in mid-June. Nearly 13.8 miles of roadway will be improved, including minor utility and concrete repairs, which will begin this week. The entire project is expected to be completed by early October 2025.
More information, including an interactive map of the scheduled work with a complete list of streets, and regular construction updates, is available on the City's 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project page.
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Know the rules: Building in a floodplain
If your property is located in a floodplain, special requirements apply when it comes to building improvements or repairs. Under the National Flood Insurance Program, if the cost of improvements or repairs from any cause exceeds 50% of the building’s market value (excluding land), the entire structure must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards.
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REEL City Moments videos
This video series brings you the vibrant spirit of our community through short, engaging social media reels. Discover local events, hidden gems, and the incredible people that make our city special.
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'Saturday Night Live'-style intro welcomes new City Council
“Live” from St. Charles City Hall… it’s your new City Council! (“SNL”-style!!)
>>Watch on YouTube.
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St. Charles Memorial Day Ceremony honors fallen heroes, veterans
Immediately following the St. Charles Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2025, the community gathered for a Ceremony to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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City turns out big for 2025 Memorial Day Parade
The St. Charles community turned out big for the 2025 St. Charles Memorial Day Parade on May 26! In case you missed it, here is a recap of the parade.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Police take to Dunkin’ rooftops, raise $4K for Special Olympics
Last month, St. Charles Police officers took to the rooftops of two Dunkin’ locations — 1711 W. Main St. and 1566 E. Main St. — for the annual Cop On A Rooftop event supporting Special Olympics Illinois. Thanks to the amazing support from our community, more than $4K was raised! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, stopped by, and helped spread awareness!
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team trains at Boy Scout Island
Members of the St. Charles Fire Department’s Water Rescue and Recovery Team spent a chilly, rainy day in May sharpening their water rescue skills with dive training at Boy Scout Island. This specialized team is made up of 10 certified paramedic divers who respond to water-related emergencies in St. Charles, as well as offer mutual aid to surrounding communities.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Rain or shine, Pottawatomie Garden Club helps community blossom
Pottawatomie Garden Club members braved the rainy weather for their annual spring planting in May, adding vibrant color to the Municipal Building and the areas around the Main Street and Illinois bridges. A huge thanks goes to the PGC for helping our community bloom year after year!
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Tower lit orange for Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 6
The Municipal Building Tower will be illuminated in orange on Friday evening, June 6, in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Residents are encouraged to wear orange on Friday to honor the lives lost to gun violence and show support for prevention efforts.
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From the Equity and Inclusion Commission
The Equity & Inclusion Commission makes recommendations to City Council to ensure the community is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities.
June is Pride Month, when the LGTBQIA+ community is celebrated. The St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission wants the community to know the LGBTQIA+ community is welcome and celebrated in St. Charles. St. Charles has many affirming local organizations that provide support, resources and community, including (but not limited to):
- PFLAG Geneva/Tri-Cities
- Belong Fox Valley
- Bethlehem Lutheran
- St. Charles Episcopal
- Baker Memorial United Methodist Church
Community gathers June 2 for Pride Fest
 >>The community gathers to celebrate inclusion during the St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission's 2025 Pride Fest on June 2 at the City Municipal Building.
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From the Natural Resources Commission:
The mission of the Natural Resources Commission is to work through a committed partnership with the community to conserve, preserve, protect and enhance the City's natural resources, and to raise awareness and make recommendations concerning environmental issues within the City of St. Charles.
Simple tips to creating a bird-friendly city
As summer begins and bird activity remains high, it's the perfect time to take action to support our feathered friends. The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission celebrated World Migratory Bird Day in May with an evening bird walk and lights out on the tower of the Municipal Building, but conservation is a year-round effort.
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2025 STC Live! kicks off Wednesday this week
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Mid-American Canoe & Kayak race - registration closes June 4
The 2025 Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race is this Saturday, June 7, when paddlers will enjoy a scenic paddle down the Fox River. Registration is due Wednesday, June 4!
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Unwind Wednesday live music event at 1st Street Plaza - June 11
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 St. Charles Arts Council: 'Paint the Town' banners still available!
The St. Charles Arts Council's Paint the Town in a Banner Way community art project is back this summer! Local artists of all ages are invited to paint 150 hand-painted banners to be displayed in Mt. St. Mary Park from July 17 to Sept. 28. Banners are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should drop off completed banners the week of July 7.
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Fourth of July Fireworks to launch from Langum Park
Celebrate Independence Day with an amazing fireworks show on July 4 in downtown St. Charles! The fireworks will launch at dark from Langum Park, located at 7th and Madison avenues, and can be seen along the Fox River. The best viewing locations include downtown St. Charles, south of Main Street. For more information, including area events and activities in Mt. St. Mary and Langum parks, visit the St. Charles Park District Fireworks page.
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Important Links
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We're Hiring!
We’ve assembled a remarkable team of dependable service providers, skilled first responders, and innovative leaders who drive St. Charles to be its best. We invite you to become a part of our team!
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