Good Government Keeps Carbondale Moving

With the recent completion of a new water treatment plant, the creation of a new industrial park, and the establishment of a Main Street program, the city is demonstrating its commitment to keeping Carbondale vibrant. In 1996, the city also opened a new downtown City Hall/Civic Center complex as yet another capital improvement project. Carbondale operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Among the services it provides to the community are:

Police Department

The Carbondale Police Department is one of less than 250 nationally accredited law enforcement agencies and the first accredited Illinois municipal police agency outside of metropolitan Chicago. The department has 60 sworn officers. It is involved with a variety of community oriented programs including "Citizens Police Academy," an 11-session class that gives the public a first-hand look at the duties and responsibilities of a law officer; "Personal Safety for Women,: a three-session focusing on sexual assault prevention and "Security Surveys," an inspection of a home or business to determine its overall security.

Fire Department

Carbondale's Fire Department is one of only a few in downstate Illinois with all its members certified at Level III certification, the highest the state provides. The department has 30 firefighters and two fire stations. The city's fire classification is an enviable 5. The department operates a "Fire Prevention Bureau" that includes education programs for school children and adults on fire safety.

Recycling

Carbondale provides curbside pick-up of recyclable materials for most of its residential areas as well as a drop off center. The city works in cooperation with Carbondale Clean and Green to promote and educate the public on recycling. Carbondale Clean and Green is the Carbondale Park District's lauded environmental awareness program, now going on 20 years.