The Centralia City Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday approved a three-year consulting agreement with Retail Strategies, LLC to support economic development in Centralia. Retail Strategies will be tasked with providing analysis of Centralia’s retail trade area, identifying opportunities and reaching out to businesses which may be interested in opening new locations in Centralia to get them in touch with the city. Retail Strategies will also assist the city with preparations to designate a proposed STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bond district A STAR bond can fund major retail, tourism, entertainment, or destination-based project using state sales tax money.
Centralia will pay Retail Strategies $50,000 per year, and may cancel the agreement after January 1, 2028 with thirty days’ notice. At the same time, the city plans to terminate its use of Placer AI, freeing up $20,000 which will go toward payment for Retail Strategies. Data provided by Retail Strategies is expected to effectively replace the functionality of Placer.
In other items at the meeting, the board approved an ordinance establishing a new protocol for providing special police services for events. The ordinance is a response to increased use of special police services for events in Centralia Now it will be up to the Poice Chief to determine the appropriate level of police coverage and staffing needed for a request. Fees for special police services would be established at the applicable police overtime rate.
A 2022 Dodge Durango was purchased for $34,000 for the Centralia Police Department from the Kansas Highway Patrol, to replace a Ford F-150 which is being transferred to the Public Works Department. Funds in the budget marked for a Public Works vehicle will be used to complete the purchase.
Centralia approved participation in a regional Mutual Law Enforcement Agreement with the South Central Illinois Special Response team, to provide personnel, equipment, and specialized services when assistance is needed.
City council member Barri Allen, acting as mayor pro tempore, read a proclamation for Centralia Business and Professional Women’s Club Week taking place October 18-24. Centralia BPW celebrates its 100th year this year.
