The city of Washington is named after George Washington, the country's first president.
A silhouette of Washington's face has been a prominent part of the city's logo for many years. Is it time to ditch the silhouette for a logo that's more representative of modern-day Washington?
A focus group that's part of a city rebranding effort thinks it is. Alderperson Bobby Martin III said at this week's city council meeting that's a bad idea.
"If it's something where it's like, 'no, we want to get rid of George Washington altogether,' then I think that's weird," he said. " ... I'd probably be a hard 'no.'"
Communications Director Amanda Roberts told the council the current logo wasn't viewed positively by the focus group, calling it outdated, lacking energy, and not fully reflective of Washington's character.
The group's feedback "supported a direction that feels more modern, distinctive, and forward-looking while still grounded in Washington's identity and sense of place," she said.
Alderperson Brandon Moss, a member of the focus group, said the current logo "doesn't represent day-to-day life in Washington," but he understands those who oppose getting rid of the silhouette.
Council will make the ultimate decision on the look of a new logo after a company is hired to provide professional design services.
No panic now; Candlewood Bridge repair underway
Here are highlights of department heads' reports to the council:
City Engineer Dennis Carr said repair and restoration work on the historic Candlewood Bridge is underway, "after a little panic set in after the winter took a little more toll on the bridge."
Jon Oliphant, the city's planning and development director, said Washington resident Patrick Salesberry has been hired as the city's building and zoning coordinator. Salesberry began working this week.
Oliphant also said a resolution to extend the city's parking lot rent agreement with the Washington Historical Society for one year is expected to be placed on the April 20 council agenda. The lot is next to the society headquarters at 128 Washington Square. The city is renting the lot from the society,
Also, Oliphant said trees were planted this week at the northwest corner of the Nofsinger Road and U.S. Route 24 intersection. Most of the funding for the project was provided by an Ameren Right Trees Right Place grant.
Police Chief Jeff Stevens said officers Steve Hinken and Ashley Kendrick were promoted to sergeant and will be sworn in at next Monday's council committee of the whole meeting. Stevens also said contract negotiations continue between the city and police officers union. The contract expires April 30.
State of the Community Address next month
Also at this week's council meeting:
• City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh said he's working with Mayor Lilija Stevens to present the city's first State of the Community Address in May. Also, he's developing a resident-focused newsletter that will be launched in the summer or fall.
• Mayor Stevens announced her next monthly "Let's Talk Washington" informal discussion session will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. April 15 at the Washington Township Building, 58 Valley Forge Road. Fiegenschuh, Police Chief Stevens and Moss also will be there.
• Carr was re-appointed and former Alderperson Brett Adams was appointed to three-year terms on the Liquor Control Commission.
• Council approved a final payment of nearly $47,560 for the construction of a new police evidence building, bringing the total cost to $2.31 million. The contract cost was $2.33 million.
• Council approved a new water and sewer rate schedule that puts less of a burden on residents to pay for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loans for capital projects.
• Council approved receiving a $28,000 recycling grant for 2026 from Tazewell County, $1 million more than last year. County recycling funds were used in past years for the city's Christmas tree, glass and brush pickup recycling programs.
• A first reading was held of an ordinance that approves that city's 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, which totals $30.5 million, about $5.1 million less than the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.
