The Vandalia City Council at their meeting on Monday night approved Tax Increment Finance money for the attempted rehabilitation of the former Liberty Theater building. The former theater building, which is owned by Dennis Grubaugh, has been sitting vacant for several years now. Grubaugh told the city council that he put a new roof on the front section of the building a few years back. The TIF money is, in part, for the demolition of the back section of the building. The bricks on that back end have been falling from that section and has become a safety hazard. One estimate for the partial demolition work was better than $63,000. Ward Four Alderman Andy Lester said he believed that cost was too high, but Grubaugh said there was also some precautions that have to be taken with the demolition going thru the alley area off of Johnson Street. Lester also asked if the building was insured and Grubaugh said the building is not insured. Lester asked if that should be a requirement to get TIF funds but no specific answer came forward. Ward two Alderwoman Dorothy Crawford stated she would like to see the building saved and made the motion for $31,000 in TIF funds. The matter was approved by the City Council by an 8 to 0 vote. Grubaugh said that he would still one day like to see the building be restored and used as a Theater for Performing Arts.