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Beardstown council approves two TIF renovation grants, appoints fire pension board member
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Beardstown City Council approved two tax-increment financing renovation grants totaling up to $27,483 for two downtown properties and unanimously appointed Katherine “Katie” Vitale to the Beardstown Fire Pension Board. The meeting included routine department reports and adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
Beardstown — The Beardstown City Council on May 6 approved two tax-increment financing (TIF) renovation grants for local property owners and appointed Katherine “Katie” Vitale to the Beardstown Fire Pension Board.
In a roll call vote the council approved a TIF renovation grant for Rebecca Hohimer for an amount not to exceed $13,558 for property at 116–118 W. 2nd Street. The motion is recorded in the minutes as “That the TIF Renovation Grant Application from Rebecca Hohimer for an amount not-to-exceed $13,558.00 be approved.” The motion passed 7–1; Alderperson Chris Baer cast the lone no vote.
The council also approved a separate TIF renovation grant for Ernest Bolen for an amount not to exceed $13,925 for the property at 410 E. 4th Street. The minutes record the motion as “That the TIF Renovation Grant Application from Ernest Bolen for an amount not-to-exceed $13,925.00 be approved.” That motion passed by a 6–2 roll call vote; the minutes list Alderpersons Chris Baer and Ron Culves as voting no on this item.
Council members handled routine business before the TIF votes. A motion by Mary Davis, seconded by Shawn Taylor, to dispense with reading and approve the April 22, 2025 minutes passed unanimously by voice vote. The omnibus consent agenda was approved unanimously on a motion by Eric Harbin, seconded by Dawn Seward.
On personnel, the council unanimously approved the appointment of Katherine “Katie” Vitale to the Beardstown Fire Pension Board for a three-year term ending April 30, 2028; the motion was recorded as moved by Mary Davis and seconded by Dawn Seward.
The meeting also included routine departmental reports: the Water Superintendent reported monthly pumping totals (14,123,061 gallons for the month; 181,599,596 gallons year-to-date), the Police Chief provided April activity statistics and year-to-date counts, and the Fire Chief delivered monthly and year-to-date fire and rescue totals. Mayor Tim Harris presented a plaque recognizing retiring City Clerk Brian “Petie” Ruch for more than 36 years of service. The council adjourned Sine Die at 6:26 p.m.
Votes at a glance
- TIF grant — Rebecca Hohimer (116–118 W. 2nd St.): approved, up to $13,558; vote 7–1 (No: Chris Baer). - TIF grant — Ernest Bolen (410 E. 4th St.): approved, up to $13,925; vote 6–2 (No: Chris Baer, Ron Culves). - Appointment — Katherine “Katie” Vitale to Beardstown Fire Pension Board (term through Apr. 30, 2028): approved unanimously.
