LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
.jpg)
Water from the City of Paris’ water treatment facility is heading to a state drinking water competition after placing first place in a regional water taste test. The win was announced during a city council meeting Monday. Feb. 24.
“You don’t need bottled water in Paris,” Mayor Craig Smith said, displaying a crystal trophy awarded to the department. “Congratulations to the department on a job well done.”
Water samples entered into the contest were judged on taste, odor and clarity. The city’s water was declared as “near perfect” according to the mayor.
Because of their first-place win, the city’s water service team will represent the region in a statewide taste test competition at the Illinois Section of American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Conference, WATERCON 2025, in Peoria, April 14-16.
“This achievement is really a testament to the hard work our city officials and employees put into their jobs,” Smith said. “We have a very dedicated team who care and work hard each and every day. We are proud of the award and the work being done in the city (of Paris) each and every day.”
In addition to announcing the award, the city council also used the bi-weekly city council meeting to approve multiple resolutions and officially accept the resignation of three city employees.
Two long-time city firefighters are ending their careers in the upcoming months.
Mentor Reynolds, a 20-year employee of the city’s fire protection department will resign in June and Fire Chief Chad Crampton, a 26-year employee of the department will retire in August.
“We appreciate your service. We don’t want to accept this, but we will honor your wishes,” Smith said to Crampton during the meeting. “It has been a great time and we have enjoyed all of your 26 years.”
The resignation of an officer at the police department officer was also accepted.
Additional motions accepted by the council included;