The City of Vandalia held a TIF Work Session on Monday on two issues.
The first issue that was discussed was a request for TIF funds from Vandalia developer Mike Wehrle. The request is for work at 1611 Veteran’s Avenue–the former Sears location–as Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital would like to use the north half of the area where Sears was located for a business that would be an In Home Health Office and also sell medical supplies and nurse and CNA apparel. Wehrle says the new business would guarantee 3 jobs to start and could be up to 10 eventually. In the TIF application, Wehrle also included information of what taxes and TIF money he has paid on his properties over the past 10 years. Alderman Andy Lester pointed out that he would have still paid these taxes, even if there were no TIF district. Wehrle also pointed out that, despite what some might think, he has only received TIF funds on 6 occasions in the past 10 years. The total cost of the project is $136,459 and Wehrle is requesting 50% in TIF funds, or $68,229.50. Alderman Bret Brosman said he fully supports the project but would support giving 25%. No decision was made, as it was simply a work session. A decision will likely be made at the next City Council meeting on January 20th.
The second item discussed was over an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Vandalia and the Vandalia School District in regards to TIF and for the next TIF extension that will be requested in the Illinois General Assembly this year. Under the agreement, 50% of the money the Vandalia School District pays into the TIF district would come back to the school district and then would go towards debt repayment. Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Garrison says that request was made by State Representative Blaine Wilhour, who would be the one working to move this matter thru the General Assembly this year. There were some questions or concerns voiced on the agreement, as it was pointed out the City Council members had only received the paperwork this past Friday. City Economic Development Director Amber Daulbaugh says she will work with the City’s TIF attorney to get those questions answered. There were also some minor language changes that were asked to be addressed, as well. Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman did say he wants the city to approve this agreement at their next meeting on January 20th. Dr. Garrison, who was joined at the meeting by School Board members Joe Lawson and Kevin Satterthwaite, noted the time element of getting this measure thru the legislature this year.
