The Vandalia City Council approved one Tax Increment Finance agreement on its agenda on Monday night while approving for another agreement on the agenda to instead use funds from a different funding source. The council approved a TIF agreement with Mark and Andrea Meadows to be used for a new showroom for their business, Pro Wire, at 120 N. 6th Street. The Meadows have purchased the remainder of the building they are currently located in and plan to remodel the east end of the building while adding on to the west end. The east end would contain the new showroom and offices. The board approved an agreement for 50% of the total project cost, or $54,581.12, by a vote of 6-1 with Alderman Andy Lester casting the lone no vote saying he would agree to 25% but not 50%. Alderman B. John Clark was not present for the vote.
The second TIF agreement as briefly discussed as the Vandalia Fire Department is requesting funds for renovations to the former United Cities Gas Building at 224 S. 6th Street that the fire department purchased. Aldermen Steve Barker questioned Vandalia Fire Chief Keith Meadows as to their plans for using Hazel Simma Kelly funds which was how the department purchased the building. Meadows stated that they do have plans to purchase new gear with a good portion of the money currently in that fund which would use about 40% or so of the current balance. After discussion, aldermen Steve Barker made a motion to approve an agreement with the full cost of the project coming from the Hazel Simma Kelly fund with the motion being carried by a vote of 6-1 with Dorothy Crawford casting the lone no vote.