The Village of West Salem’s Board met at Village Hall on April 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- Mayor Jeffrey Bradham gave a ‘State of the Village’ report highlighting some of the accomplishments of the Village in past twelve months including:
- Fire Department – The recent passage of the Fire Truck Referendum, and that three new firefighters have joined the department.Water and Sewer – Lead Service Line Inventory completed (no lead pipes were found in the Village), and the completion of the Sewer Lagoon Project. Both projects were funded through grants.Parks and Playgrounds – New roofs were installed on the Shelter House and Bandstand, new batting cages were installed at Centennial Park, and work on the Pickleball Courts at Mill Pond Park is underway. The Mill Pond Park Project is funded in part by a grant.Technology – The Village launched a website in June 2024 and is on track to have over 10,000 page views in its first year. The Village began accepting credit cards payments, and offering online, direct debit (autopay) payment options.
- Fiscal Management – The Village is on track to finish the year in the black (spending less money than it has received).
- The Edwards County Council on Aging notified the West Salem Board that they had decided to keep operating as they have been, with all centers operational – including the West Salem Senior Center. Based on that information, the West Salem Village Board decided to not provide any additional financial support to the Edwards County Council on Aging at this time.
- Newly elected officials George Gerlach, Royce Jones, and Sarah Orrel took the Oath of Office. The Mayor appointed new committees:
- Finance: George Gerlach (Chair), Royce Jones, Aaron Winter
- Water and Sewer: Jerry Bradham (Chair), Sarah Orrel, George Gerlach
- Streets and Alleys: Karl August Case (Chair), Jerry Bradham, Sarah Orrel
- Property and Buildings: Aaron Winter (Chair), Karl August Case, Royce Jones
- Playgrounds and Parks: Sarah Orrel (Chair), Jerry Bradham, Aaron Winter
- Public Safety: Royce Jones (Chair), Karl August Case, Geroge Gerlach
- A Board Proclamation was presented to outgoing Trustee Chris Ray.
- The Board discussed a water rate study which was completed by the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP). They analyzed data from the past five years, and it appears that water rates need to be raised to keep pace with increased costs. The last time water rates were increased in West Salem was 2013. A representative from RCAP will be attending the June Village Board meeting to discuss their findings and to make recommendations to the Board.
- The Board approved the FY2026 Budget for the Village.
- The Board approved amending the Liquor Ordinance to allow retail/gas stations to sell alcoholic beverages. A copy of Ordinance 2025-03 is posted on the Village’s website.
- The Board approved a Resolution supporting America 250 – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which will be July 4, 2026.
- The Board approved a Resolution for the West Salem Farmers’ Market which will be held on Friday mornings on the Village Square from 9am to Noon from May to September 2025.
- The West Salem Development Association presented a check for $5,000 to the Village for the Mill Pond Park Project.
Updates and Announcement from the Village of West Salem can be found on their website at WestSalemil.com. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The West Salem Village Board meets at Village Hall which is located at 106 E. South Street, West Salem, IL.