The City Council unanimously approved the support of the project, which is an effort of Abingdon High School students. Because Abingdon is involved in the research, it could end up providing free electricity for city buildings if wind turbines are built.

Mayor Stephen Darmer said the project had potential long-term benefits for the city.

"I honestly felt like we needed to stay involved," he said.

Abingdon is one of seven entities that could benefit from a potential wind farm by providing financial support of up to $2,000. The other parties are: ROWVA District 208, Galesburg District 205, Knoxville District 202, Carl Sandburg College and Farmington District 265.

The vote doesn't mean Abingdon is definitely sending in money. The students received a $70,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation for the research, which required a $20,000 match. That means the project has $90,000 before any help is needed from Abingdon or the other participating entities.

An engineer will go over data and complete a feasibility study. By the end of April, the students will know if a wind farm can work.

In other business, the City Council:

- Decided to advertise for part-time summer help at Abingdon Cemetery. The city hires part-time workers every summer to help with trimming grass.

- Decided to seek bids for a new water tower. Alderman Dale Schisler, Ward 2, said the existing water tower is about 70 years old and would cost more to repair than replace. He said he is not sure how long the bidding process will take.

- Darmer told the City Council state Rep. Don Moffitt, R-Gilson, was willing to ask for funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation to get a stop light at the intersection of Martin Street and Illinois 41.

- Darmer said the city needs to look into getting a three-way stop at the intersection of Latimer Street and Swarts Avenue. With Hedding Grade School nearby, he said, there is a need for caution.

- Approved the health insurance plan for city employees. The plan costs $10 a week to cover an employee and $32 a week to cover an employee and dependents.

- City resident Fairy Stambaugh told officials that in the last 13 months, her basement has suffered more than $7,000 damage from the sewer overflowing onto her floor. Kirt Links, the city superintendent, said his department has been working on the problem, which appears to be from other residents flushing objects that don't decompose.

He said he will be contacting those residents.