Central City became another of the municipalities keeping the grocery sales tax in a unanimous vote at the village board meeting Tuesday night. Board members agreed that the village could not afford to lose the revenue from the tax, which the state of Illinois will stop collecting on behalf of municipalities in 2026. Attorney Ryan Connor noted that those who purchase groceries with food benefits do not pay taxes on groceries and are therefore unaffected by the grocery tax.
Luke Easton of the South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission spoke to the board about applying for a Community Development Block Grant to fund the replacement of storm drains. Easton set expectations by telling the board the CDBG grant is very competitive, but Central City does have a chance to receive it, thanks to factors like being an underserved area and an opportunity zone. The grant, if received, would cover construction and administration costs. The village would have to cover engineering expenses. The village will pay $2500 to have SCIRPDC write and submit the grant application.
The board approved payment for training to stay in compliance with OSHA and state requirements and avoid fines.
The village began the process of selling three properties that have been demolished by Central City: one on Elm Street, one on Marion Street, and one on Walnut Street. The properties will be advertised in the newspaper and bids solicited.
Fall clean-up dates were approved for November 18-22.
