The Centralia City Council Monday night extended the payback on a $34-million low interest loan from the Illinois EPA from 20 to 30 years to pay off the new water treatment plant. City Manager Kory Smith says that will lower the city’s annual payments. After the meeting, Smith said they are continuing to seek grant dollars to pay for the new plant and associated water lines that could bring the amount of the loan down. He notes that effort can continue even after construction of the new plant begins later this year.
The council agreed to waive bidding requirements and approve a proposal from Ironhorse, Inc to complete $53,160 in maintenance to the city’s rail spur that serves Graphic Packaging and Hawkins Industries in the Centralia Industrial Park. Smith warned additional improvements may be needed in future years.
The council approved a $12,000 payment to Roger Campbell for facade improvements that have now been completed on his building at 302 South Poplar.
The council was reminded there will be a clean-up of the community organized by Clean and Green prior to Balloon Fest this weekend. Those wanting to join the effort are asked to meet at the parking lot next to city hall at six Tuesday night.
