The Village of West Salem’s Board met on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- The appointment of Paul Muhs of Charleston Engineering as Village Engineer. Mr. Muhs is stepping in for Engineer Mike Bridges who passed away unexpectedly in March.
- The approval of the final payment for the Mill Pond Park project. This project involved renovating the tennis courts located at 201 S. Charles Street. A new tennis net system was installed that can be raised for volleyball play. Two pickleball courts were added, as well as ADA accessible parking. The project was made possible through a state grant, and local donations.
- The approval for this year’s MFT road maintenance work which is estimated to cost $35,000.00. MFT (motor fuel tax) is funded through a state tax on gasoline.
- The approval of Ordinance 2026-01. This ordinance sets bulk water rates for the village as $15.00 + $0.01 per gallon for residents, and $15.00 + $0.015 for non-residents. It also establishes a fee of $35.00 for returned checks.
- An announcement that the Illinois Extension 4-H Savanah Oak Tree Program will be planting 25 Oak Trees at Four Corners Park in West Salem later in the next few weeks.
- The Board discussed and approved the tentative budget for FY2027. The Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be approved at next month’s meeting.
- The West Salem Farmer’s Market will be returning this summer on Fridays mornings beginning June 5, 2026. For more information contact Trish Bellmore at the Greater Wabash Food Council.
- The popular Freedom Festival will be held on June 27-28, 2026 in West Salem. The festival will include a 5K run on Saturday morning, a parade on Saturday afternoon, fireworks on Saturday night, and a car show on Sunday.
- A Bulk-Trash Pickup is scheduled for the Village on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Residents are asked to place bulk trash items in a plastic bag or box when possible. Items must be out by 6:00 AM. Mattresses & Box Springs must be fully covered in plastic. Items that will NOT be picked up are: Tires, batteries, liquid chemicals, paint, appliances, yard waste, electronics, construction debris, and vehicle parts.
- The Volunteer Firemen’s Association of West Salem will be holding a Pork Chop Supper on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Fire House located at 108 E. South Street. The event will begin at 4:00 PM.
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, April 27, 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.