City of Centralia

What City of Centralia does

The City of Centralia is an incorporated municipal government in south central Illinois that delivers a full portfolio of public services to approximately 13,000 residents spanning four counties (Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington). Founded in 1853 by the Illinois Central Railroad, the city operates as a council-manager form of government led by Mayor Bryan Kuder and City Manager Galen Mahle (joined January 2025), supported by a staff of 133 employees organized across Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Parks and Recreation, and Cemetery departments. Core service delivery spans public safety (two fire stations and a police department with 911 dispatch), water and wastewater treatment (separate treatment plants), solid waste collection contracted to CWI (Republic Services), parks and recreation at Fairview Park, Laura Leake Park, and Point Park, cemetery management at Elmwood Cemetery, and animal control via partnerships with Marion and Clinton counties.

The operating footprint also includes a municipally-owned general aviation airport (Centralia Municipal Airport, two runways including a 5,001-foot asphalt strip, operated by Airgo, Inc. as FBO), Amtrak passenger service on three rail lines (Saluki, City of New Orleans, Illini), South Central Transit public bus service, and tourism promotion through the See Centralia brand and associated events including the 30+ year Balloon Fest. Revenue is generated through property taxes, recurring utility subscriptions (water/sewer/sanitation with deposits of $150 for tenants and $250 for commercial accounts), and a structured schedule of licenses and permits spanning liquor licensing ($700–$1,500 annually across Class A–G tiers), video gaming ($125–$250 per terminal), boat stickers, dog/cat tags, golf cart/UTV permits, building permits, and boat dock registrations ($100–$500 annually on Lake Centralia). Economic development is driven by four TIF Districts, one Enterprise Zone, one Opportunity Zone, and a Downtown Façade Improvement Program.

Technology infrastructure consists of standard municipal SaaS: the CivicPlus web platform powers cityofcentralia.org with calendar, news, meetings, and resident portal functionality; the Municipal Online Payments portal handles utility billing with auto-pay and text-based payments; Playmetrics manages recreation registration; Everbridge delivers emergency alerts; and SurveyPlanet supports community feedback. Service delivery is omnichannel, combining in-person transactions at City Hall (101 S. Locust Street), two drop-box locations, online self-service, and dedicated direct outreach to local businesses through the Economic Development Director.

Name

City of Centralia

Legal name

City of Centralia

Website

https://cityofcentralia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1853

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The City of Centralia is a municipal government in south central Illinois providing public safety, utilities, parks, economic development, and tourism services to roughly 13,000 residents across four counties (Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, Washington). It was founded in 1853 by the Illinois Central Railroad and operates with 133 employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Executive Offices (921110), Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support (921), Other General Government Support (921190)

akta.pro primary industry

Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF), Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN), Urban & Regional Planning (Land Use, Zoning, Master Planning) (BPAIANAD)

Keywords

• Municipal services
• Public safety
• Water and sewer
• Parks and recreation
• Economic development

Headquarters

HQ city

Centralia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Taxes: Revenue from property taxes collected from residents and businesses within the city limits
2. Utility Services: Water, sewer, and sanitation services billed to residents and businesses. Service connection requires proof of ownership and photo ID. Tenants pay $150 deposit, commercial accounts $250 deposit.
3. Licenses and Permits: Fees from liquor licenses (Class A $1,500, Class B $700, Class C $1,100, Class E $1,000, etc.), video gaming licenses ($125-250 per terminal), boat stickers, dog/cat registrations, building permits, and other municipal licenses
4. Golf Cart and UTV Permits: Annual permit fee of $60.00 for golf carts and utility-terrain vehicles on city streets
5. Boat Dock Registration: Annual fees for boat docks on Lake Centralia ($100 up to 350 sq ft, $200 over 350 sq ft, $500 over 800 sq ft). Raccoon Lake docks are free.
6. Park Shelter Rentals: Rental fees for park pavilions at Fairview and Laura Leake Parks - $15 for residents, $25 for non-residents
7. TIF and Enterprise Zone Benefits: Tax increment financing and enterprise zone incentives to encourage business growth and development

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The City of Centralia provides comprehensive municipal government services to approximately 13,000 residents across Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington counties in south central Illinois. Its core offerings include public safety (fire and police), public infrastructure (water, sewer, sanitation, public works), parks and recreation, economic development tools, community development and zoning, licensing and permits, cemetery management, animal control, and municipal airport operations.

Product overview

The City of Centralia provides comprehensive municipal government services to approximately 13,000 residents across Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington counties in south central Illinois. The city's product portfolio consists of core public services organized into public safety (fire and police departments), public infrastructure (public works, water/sewer treatment, garbage collection), parks and recreation, economic development tools (TIF districts, enterprise zones, opportunity zones), community development and planning, and tourism promotion. Additional services include cemetery management, animal control, airport facilities, transportation options (Amtrak, South Central Transit), and various license/permit issuance. The city utilizes the CivicPlus platform for its website and offers online utility payments, recreation registration, and emergency alerts through integrated third-party platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• City Administration Services Core municipal governance including Mayor and City Council leadership, City Manager administration, City Clerk records management, and City Treasurer finance functions for residents and businesses of Centralia.
• Fire Department Services Fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire code enforcement, and public safety education serving city residents. Operates two fire stations.
• Police Department Services Law enforcement, 911 dispatch services, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and community policing programs serving city residents and businesses.
• Public Works Services Infrastructure maintenance including water and sewer treatment plants, garbage collection, leaf vacuuming, yard waste collection, and excavation permits for city residents and businesses.
• Parks and Recreation City parks management including Fairview Park, Laura Leake Park, and Point Park; recreational programs, sports leagues, tournaments, and park pavilion rentals for residents and visitors.
• Tourism Services Promotes local festivals (Balloon Fest, Locust Street Fair, Fall Festival), historical sites, Carillon Park, lakes, and parks through See Centralia tourism website for visitors and tourists.
• Economic Development Business attraction and retention programs including TIF Districts, Enterprise Zone, Opportunity Zone, Downtown Façade Improvement Program, and interactive economic development mapping for prospective and existing businesses.
• Community Development and Planning Building permits, demolition permits, sign permits, zoning enforcement, code enforcement, and comprehensive planning services. Enforces International Building Code 2024 Edition for residents, businesses, and developers.
• Elmwood Cemetery Historic cemetery management with maps and deceased records available through City Hall for residents and families.
• Animal Control Services Animal shelter services provided through Marion County Animal Control and Clinton County Animal Control partnerships for city residents.
• Licenses and Permits Issuance of liquor licenses, boat licenses, dog/cat registration, golf cart/UTV permits, itinerant vendor permits, video gaming licenses, and park shelter reservations for residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Centralia Municipal Airport City-owned general aviation airport with two runways (5001 ft and 3300 ft), fuel services (Jet A and 100LL), and tie-down/hangar storage. Fixed-based operator is Airgo, Inc.
• Transportation Services Amtrak passenger rail service (Saluki Line, City of New Orleans Line, Illini Line), South Central Transit public bus service, and municipal airport facilities for residents and visitors.
• Festival and Event Management Annual event organization including Balloon Fest, Locust Street Historic Fair, Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, and the Greater Centralia Area Veterans' 4th of July Parade for residents and visitors.
• Fishing Quality Program Fisheries management for Raccoon Lake and Lake Centralia including artificial spawning structures, fish removal agreements, and temporary no-fishing zones for residents and visitors.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Airgo, Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAirgo, Inc. serves as the Fixed-Based Operator (FBO) at Centralia Municipal Airport, providing services to general aviation aircraft. Located at 2331 E Calumet, Centralia IL 62801. Phone: (618) 533-1643. Airport offers Jet A and 100LL fuel, tie-down and hangar space available at $125 per month.
• AmtrakcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmtrak has provided passenger rail service to Centralia since 1971. The city is served by the Saluki Line, City of New Orleans Line, and Illini Line. Amtrak Station located at 110 S. Oak St.
• South Central Transit (SCT)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth Central Transit provides public transportation including scheduled routes and demand response service (24-hour notice) in Centralia, Benton, Carlyle, Mt Vernon, Nashville, West Frankfort, and Salem. SCT building at 1616 E McCord, Downtown location at 100 N. Locust St. Phone: 618-532-8076.
• CWI (Republic Services)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCWI (Republic Services) is the city's provider for garbage and refuse collection services. A leading provider in domestic non-hazardous solid waste industry serving millions of residential customers across 42 states. Bulk waste collection arranged by calling 1-800-631-1156.
• BCMW Community ServicesminorOthersCommunity services organization listed as a resource link on the city website for residents
• Centralia FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Centralia Foundation partners with the city on recreation, including having a board member designated to the Parks & Recreation Committee. Foundation operates the Centralia Recreation Complex. The Foundation's Recreation Center Executive Director Jake Junghanel serves as advisory staff to the Parks & Recreation Committee.
• Greater Centralia Chamber of CommercecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Chamber of Commerce partners with the city on tourism and economic development. Chamber Director Marcus Holland serves as Ex-Officio member of the Tourism Board. Joint efforts include Balloon Fest planning and community promotion.
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIDNR Fisheries Biologist Boone La Hood serves as staff representative on the Fishing Quality Commission. The city works with IDNR on fish management at Raccoon Lake and Lake Centralia, including artificial spawning structures and commercial fish removal agreements.
• St. Mary's Hospital (SSM Health)minorOthersLocal hospital listed as a community resource link. Located in Centralia serving city residents.
• Kaskaskia CollegeminorOthersLocal community college listed as an educational resource. City council members have connections as college recruiters.
• CivicPluscoreTechnology or IntegrationCivicPlus provides the website platform for cityofcentralia.org, powering the municipal website with features including the calendar, news, permits, meetings, and resident portal.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• City of Du Quoin, Illinois: Perry County seat in southern Illinois with similar small-city municipal services, transportation links, and economic base tied to rail and coal heritage. Direct peer on scale, operating geography, and service delivery model.
• City of Herrin, Illinois: Small southern Illinois municipality in Williamson County delivering standard municipal services (police, fire, water/sewer, public works) to a similar population. Direct peer on size, geography, and service portfolio.
• City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois: Regional seat in Jefferson County - one of the four counties Centralia partially occupies. Comparable as a small Illinois city with the same set of municipal departments, utility operations, and economic development tools serving a similar population.
• City of Salem, Illinois: Nearby small Illinois city in Marion County providing the same municipal services including police, fire, public works, water/sewer, parks, and economic development. Direct peer on population scale, service scope, and south-central Illinois operating context.
• City of Effingham, Illinois: Central Illinois city at the I-57/I-70 interchange with similar small-city municipal service portfolio. Comparable on transportation infrastructure positioning, economic development activity, and full-service municipal operations serving a comparable population base.
• City of Marion, Illinois: Adjacent southern Illinois city and one of the four counties Centralia spans (Marion County). Provides identical municipal service portfolio including police, fire, water/sewer, parks, and economic development, with similar population scale and a comparable retail/tourism orientation.
• City of Carbondale, Illinois: Southern Illinois municipal government of comparable size serving a university-anchored community with full municipal services, public safety, utilities, and economic development programs. Directly comparable as a small Illinois city delivering the same scope of services to a similar population base.
• City of Benton, Illinois: Franklin County seat in southern Illinois providing identical municipal services at comparable scale. Direct peer on legacy coal-region economic base, small-city population, and department structure.

Others

• CivicPlus: Vendor partner that powers Centralia's municipal website platform. Thematically related as the technology infrastructure supporting the city's digital service delivery; not a peer in terms of operations but an ecosystem enabler.
• South Central Transit: Regional public transportation provider partnering with Centralia to deliver scheduled bus routes and demand-response service. Related as a municipal transportation service provider in the same geographic footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CityofCentraliaIllinois
• Instagraminstagram.com/seecentralia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-centralia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of Centralia