Local business owners will make improvements to downtown businesses thanks to Tax Increment Financing agreements approved at Tuesday night’s Carmi City Council meeting. Gary and Mary Cates, who own the building Blankenship Auto Parts operates out of, will receive up to $25,000 for a roofing project. Alderman Steve Winkleman raised concerns over the cost.
Winkleman: “$50,000 for a roof on a building that’s probably worth…$25,000”
Doug Hays: “It’s worth a whole lot to me.”
Winkleman: “Well I understand that, but I’ve seen what other buildings are selling for and that just seems exorbitant to me.”
Hays, also an alderman, runs Blankenship Auto Parts. He says the verbal quote the Cates were given by Kelly Forston Construction was $50,000; the written quote was actually $60,000. Hays says Cates is looking for another estimate that will come in closer to or even under the $50,000. The city will only put up 50% or $25,000, whichever is less.
Additionally, Colt and Melissa Barton will get a maximum $7,250 to remodel the upstairs which is currently used by the Carmi Masonic Lodge. Winkleman again showed concern with City Administrator Holly Healy and Alderman Hays providing scope.
Winkleman: “Now we’re doing roofs, and now we’re gonna remodel the inside of people’s businesses. I just don’t know…I just don’t know what I…I don’t know what direction we’re headed.”
Healy: “So that’s allowable under the Illinois TIF Act.”
Winkleman: “I understand that.”
Healy: “I’m happy to try to answer specific questions. I did run both of these agreements through our consultant, specifically the second one because I wasn’t sure myself with the Masonic Lodge being a non profit, but that is allowable. I did check that out.”
Hays: “I understand what you’re saying Steve, but I also think whether it be the façade on the outside or the inside, we’re trying to take some of these dilapidated buildings and make them useable so to me it’s a good thing.”
Winkleman: “I just wander which direction we’re going. We start opening up a door there.”
It would be noted other TIF agreements have integrated work inside as well including the VFW, Elks, and Kyle Hosick’s new Country Financial office.
Ultimately, both agreements passed. Hays abstained from the Blankenship vote. Alderman Mark Blake abstained from the Rusty Razor vote as he’s a member of the Masons.
Other news out of the meeting, council approved the appointment of Ron Wooten to the Carmi Public Library Board to fill the term of John Stanley ending June 30th. Council also authorized the creation of a handicap parking spot near Special FX hair salon. Finally, council approved, despite Winkleman’s no vote, amending the Liquor Control Ordinance to make room for the Webb Hay House’s downstairs pub to have video gaming machines.
With no executive session, council adjourned at 5:50pm. Carmi city leaders will gather for their second March meeting on March 19th at 5:30pm in Council Chambers located at 225 East Main Street behind the Light and Water office.
