The Village of West Salem’s Board met on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- Mayor Jeffrey Bradham stated that in 2021 there were 101 locations that were identified as problem properties in the Village. These properties had unsafe structures, an accumulation of junk and trash, and/or numerous inoperable vehicles. Today that number is down to approximately 50 locations. Most of the issues were resolved without spending very much tax payer money by working with the property owners. It was necessary for the Village to take legal action on a few properties. Three dilapidated structures were demolished; one property was cleaned-up by court order. The Village will continue addressing properties that are not in compliance with Village Ordinances.
- Trustees were informed that the EPA will grant the Village a waiver for the 20% match on an upcoming grant project. Village staff is working on the grant application for the $1.2 million project to replace older watermains in the Village.
- The Clerk shared that nomination petition packets for the April 6, 2027 election will be available at the end of August. The Village will have three trustee seats, as well as the Mayor’s seat on the Spring ballot. Interested candidates will need to file their nomination packets between November 16, 2026 and November 23, 2026 in order to appear the April 2027 ballot. More information can be found on the website of the Illinois State Board of Election.
- The Board approved spending up to $500 on promotional materials for Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 2026). The materials will be used during school visits by the fire department.
- 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 15% next year. The Board voted to keep the current Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan.
- The Trustees approved a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) reimbursement payment to the Village Courtyard for $2,277.10 for a new entryway. The Village Courtyard opened at 108 W. South Street in West Salem in June. They offer ice cream, and event rental space.
- The Board approved a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) reimbursement payment of $8,000.00 to the Lumberyard Restaurant for kitchen renovations and ADA accessible restrooms. The Lumberyard Restaurant is located at 101 E. North Street in West Salem.
- West Salem Police Chief Weber will be retiring later this year. The Board discussed a proposal from the Edwards County Sherriff’s Department to provide policing for the Village of West Salem. Village Attorney Darrin Rice was asked to contact the Edwards County States Attorney to develop a contract based on the proposal.
Updates and Announcement from the Village of West Salem are posted on the website. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM. All Village Board meetings are open to the public. The West Salem Village Board meets at Village Hall which is located at 106 E. South Street, West Salem, IL.