Galesburg City Council had a discussion on dissolving TIF District 1 on Monday, November 1st. The District encompasses a good portion of downtown, including East Main from Kellogg St. to Cherry St., as well as down Seminary St. towards the Discovery Depot. Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta says most of the properties in the TIF aren’t considered dilapidated anymore. He adds that there are some properties in the district that could still meet requirements and the city would likely try to expand the boundaries of TIF 4 to encompass these qualifying properties. TIF Districts can be created for 23 years, and if successful in petitioning the General Assembly that can be extended for another 12 years. If the TIF District is dissolved the marginal property tax that’s been paid over the properties 1985 levels would go to general city revenue instead of into the TIF fund.
Galesburg Aldermen took a second look at purchasing a police surveillance trailer and this time Council said no. City Manager Todd Thompson says the item was originally approved but some members that voted in the majority wanted to reconsider. Jaclyn Smith-Esters says that she for one wanted to re-evaluate. She says looking at the budget putting the money towards increasing the staff in the police department. Kevin Wallace says he understands law enforcement needs tools but feels the money could be used smarter. But Alderman Larry Cox, the one vote for purchasing the trailer, said Galesburg has had a number of gun incidents in the last year and he sees this surveillance as a means to that end. Police Chief Russ Idle says that there are a number of possible uses for the trailer including surveillance for large events, collecting evidence, and as a crime deterrent. Idle says the cost is budgeted for through the city’s computer replacement program.