The Salem City Council Monday night gave final approval to a $1.3-million property tax levy for the coming year. The amount is 1.4-percent higher than this year’s property tax collections. The council also abated the property taxes on bond issues that are paying for the construction of the Aquatic Center and wastewater treatment plant improvements. Both are being paid off from special sales taxes.
The council approved a renewal of its liability and workers compensation insurance package with ICRMT through the Kane Agency in Salem. City Manager Rex Barbee said the company and Kane Insurance had done a fantastic job and were very responsive. He reports ICRFMT has provided a number of training sessions designed to avoid injuries to city workers. The council approved the appointment of Joy Conner to the Tourism Commission.
Somer Real Estate was given another six-month listing on three lots owned by the city south of the Holiday Inn Express. The council feels they may need to conduct another lottery among all interested real estate companies if another expansion is sought.
Mayor Nic Farley in his report said he had met with the owners of the Village Garden Restaurant. He reported they have now cleared the smoke damage and were in the process of hiring contractors to repair the fire damage from the fire near the HVAC. Farley said they hope to reopen early next year. Farley also reported he will be meeting with an Illinois Department of Natural Resources official to discuss other options to deal with the deer population in the city.
He commended the Police Department on Shop with a Cop and working with the youth and all those involved in providing the weekend Christmas events.
