The Village of West Salem’s Board met at Village Hall on July 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- Mayor Bradham updated the board on some of the neglected properties that the Village has been addressing. Good progress has been made on several properties, and the Village plans to continue to work with property owners on these issues.
- The West Salem Chowder will be Saturday, August 16, 2025. A parade will begin at 9:30AM, followed by chowder sales. More information can be found on the West Salem Chowder Facebook Page.
- Work on the two pickleball courts and a tennis/volleyball court has been delayed due to the weather, but is still anticipated to be completed this summer. This project has been made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as well as donations from the West Salem Development Association and the Simms family.
- The Board voted to increase water rates. The Village has not raised its water or sewer rates in over twelve (12) years, but the cost of supplying water to village households has gone up dramatically during that period. The resident base rate will be $15.50 plus $8.35 for 1,000 gallons of water; meaning the new minimum water bill for residents will be $24.85. The non-resident base rate will be $31.00 plus $16.70 for 1,000 gallons of water; meaning the new minimum water bill for non-residents will be $47.70. The price increase will go into effect August 1, 2025. Customers will see the new rates on the utility bill they receive in September from the Village. More information can be found here.
- Steve Thomson of Country Insurance gave a brief presentation on the Village’s health insurance plan which covers full-time Village employees. The cost of the current plan will increase by approximately 12% next year. The Board voted to keep the current Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan.
- Work continues on the West Salem welcome sign. The Attorney will be working on an intergovernmental agreement with Road District #1 regarding the light for the new sign.
- The Board approved an Ordinance to continue the 1% Grocery Tax in West Salem. The State of Illinois will be eliminating a 1% tax on groceries on January 1, 2026. This 1% went to Illinois municipalities. The Village would have lost approximately $15,000 in funding if it had not approved this Ordinance. The West Salem tax will go into effect after the State’s tax is repealed.
- The fire hydrant on the corner of Union and School Street has been repaired.
- The Mayor informed the Board that Charleston Engineering will be placing new survey markers to clearly indicate the corporate boundaries.
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, August 25, 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.