The Village of West Salem’s Board met on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- The Mayor announced that the ‘Annual Trees on the Square’ event will be on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. This event is sponsored by the West Salem Development Association and will be held on the Village Square (100 South Street, West Salem, IL). The decorated trees will remain on display through January 1, 2025.
- The Mayor shared that there was a contractor’s meeting this month regarding the Mill Pond Park Project. Work is dependent on the weather and should be completed before Summer. The park is being renovated to have lighted pickleball, volleyball, and tennis courts. This project is being paid for through a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, federal ARPA grant funds, and private donations.
- The Board approved the Levy Ordinances for FY2025. The Levy requests will be increased by a little less than 5% due to inflation.
- The Board tabled a 1% Grocery Tax Ordinance. The purposed Ordinance would allow the Village to maintain the 1% tax revenue that the State will be eliminating on January 1, 2026. It will not increase the amount of taxes currently charged on groceries. The Ordinance will be brought back for further discussion and possible approval at next month’s meeting.
- The Board approved the dates and times for Village Board and the Fire Department meetings for 2025. They also approved Village Hall holidays for 2025. Dates are posted on the calendar of the Village’s website.
- The Board authorized the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with Gilmore Bell to assist in the issuance of bonds for a new fire truck. The Board will be discussing going to referendum for a new fire truck at next month’s meeting.
- The Clerk announced that three individuals have filed the required paperwork to run for the Village Board in the upcoming Consolidated Election. Royce Jones, George Gerlach, and Sarah Orrel. The election will be held on April 1, 2025.
Updates and Announcement from the Village of West Salem can be found on their website at WestSalemIL.com under the ‘News’ tab. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM. The Board meets at Village Hall which is located at 106 E. South Street, West Salem, IL.