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The St. Charles Police Department has begun the process of testing Body Worn Camera devices, which will last for the next several months. Select patrol officers will be wearing the cameras during their shifts to learn about their functionality and evaluate a few different Body Worn Camera systems and vendors.  State law mandates that an agency with a population the size of the city of St. Charles will need to implement its Body Warn Camera system by January 1, 2025. The St.

City of St. Charles financial reporting practices have earned recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). For the 37th consecutive year, the City of St. Charles’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It recognizes the City of St. Charles for showing a spirit of full disclosure in clearly communicating the City’s financial picture as of the end of the fiscal year.

The City of St. Charles is thrilled to announce that Whole Foods Market will be opening its doors at the former Blue Goose Market site in downtown St. Charles.

A new five-year contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems was approved at the June 19, 2023, City Council Meeting. New rates go into effect July 1, 2023 for City of St. Charles residents.

Stickers purchased prior to July 1, 2023 are valid through July 31, 2023, so residents can use their current supply.  After July 31, if residents still have unused stickers they can exchange them at the Utility Billing Office, 2 E. Main Street.

2023 Refuse Rates

The City of St. Charles Home Rule Sales Tax on “General Merchandise” will increase from 1.0% to 1.5% effective July 1, 2023. The .5% increase, or 50 cents on $100, will provide a consistent, dedicated revenue stream to fund ongoing improvements to City roads and related infrastructure. This sets the new total General Merchandise rate for the City at 8.5%.

Nine members were appointed to the newly formed Equity & Inclusion Commission at the June 5, 2023, City Council Meeting. The new commissioners were recommended for appointment by Mayor Lora Vitek and will serve staggered terms.

Utility rate adjustments for City of St. Charles water, sewer, and electric utility customers were approved at the May 1, 2023, City Council meeting and become effective on the utility bills issued in June. At the meeting, a 6% increase in water rates and sewer rates was approved. The City recommended no adjustments in the electric rates.

The offices of the Kane County State's Attorney and Kane County Sheriff recently launched the Child Exploitation Unit, aimed at stopping the distribution of child pornography and online exploitation of children.

The Unit was created in collaboration with the St. Charles Police Department, which is providing office and technology space where a computer forensics expert can analyze electronic devices for evidence of crimes committed.

The City of St. Charles 2023-2027 Strategic Plan officially was adopted by the City Council at the January 17, 2023 City Council
meeting. View the plan here.

The Strategic Plan establishes the City’s new mission statement, vision statement, and guiding principles, which embody the
character of the community. The plan identifies four strategic priorities: