Creative business plans grow Du Quoin
Du Quoin economic development director Jeff Ashauer Monday shared the successes of Tax Incentive Financing funding this past year that saw projects completed for Baked by Gene, McPherson Automotive, McIntire Electric and the Grand Theater He said another $149,000 will be spent in downtown development monies this year. He said $45,000 in TIF funding and another $45,000 in motor fuel tax money will be used to repave Division Street in downtown Du Quoin from East Park to East Poplar Streets. Another $30,000 will be invested in renovations to what most still know as the Hobby House building at 101 East Main Street. That building has ben gifted to the city by Banterra Bank. Another $24,200 will be invested in building stabilization, tuckpointing and accomplishing required code work in downtown Du Quoin.
He said the new TIF budget allows for fully honoring $45,000 in obligations of the coming year.
Ashauer said the purpose of the three TIF districts in the city is to "turbocharge" business development.
He said the TIF rewards in terms of business development are outperforming the original forecasts.
The city council approved two financing resolutions that will help locate a new nurse practitioner in the former offices of now-retired Du Quoin obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Manu Tongwarin.
The council approved a resolution approving revolving loan fund monies in the amount of $19,600 to Kimberly S. Schramke for real estate acquisition at 316 East Franklin Street. The property is being purchased for use as a medical office.
Related to that is a resolution approving $6,000 for Schramke for improvements to the building. Coalbelt Communities, Inc. is providing $76.,700 in loans. The total value of the building purchase and renovation is $102,000.
The woman is a rural Pinckneyville native who practiced at Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon. She must work through a local physician, already has a large patient base and hopes to work closely with Marshall Browning Hospital.
The council approved ordinances relating to the position of temporary consultant to the budget and finance director (final approval), an ordinance creating the Emergency Management Agency (final approval) and an ordinance creating a fire zone in front of the Grand Theater (final approval). That fire zone is 24 hours a day.
The council approved the Du Quoin High School homecoming parade permit.
The council approved $6,800 from the revolving loan fund for Vickie Holmes of Buttons & Bows daycare for real estate acquisition at 115 North Division Street.
Mayor Alongi said the city has received one bid from Perry County Roofing Inc. in the amount of $161,700 to repair the back two thirds of the roof on city hall. The city will borrow a total of $225,000 in a loan-sharing agreement between Du Quoin State Bank and Banterra Bank that will pay for the roof, about $3,500 for tuckpointing the front of city hall and between $40,000 and $60,000 for repairs at the Du Quoin swimming pool. the interest rate for the loan is 2.44 percent. That borrowing takes place as the city finishes paying off loans on a city backhoe and street sweeper.
In another banking matter, the city will set up a special Du Quoin pool restoration funding account at the Du Quoin State Bank so income for the project and expenditures can easily be audited.
Mayor Alongi touched on the need for lands within the corporate limits of Du Quoin assessed as agricultural be mowed at least twice a year. Discussions on that subject will continue.
Newly appointed finance and Budget Director Andrew Croessman conveyed to the council the work he and consultant Chuck Novak have been doing with respect to the city finances. Croessman said their assessment points to inflated revenue forecasts and overspending. "We are spending more than last year," he said. "It's imperative we be conservative," said Croessman. "The city's liabilities gives us a snapshot of what we owe," he added. The city's debt service is currently $5.6 million.
"We are strapped," said Alongi as he concurred with the Croessman and Novak assessments.
Lastly, the council listened to Pope Street resident Donna Clover whose list of grievances about property maintenance inspections and her own difficulties were longer than Mayor Alongi's tolerance. He said the woman has no issues with the city.