Rushville, IL – Rushville aldermen have decided to proceed with an improvement program for their downtown square.
Mayor Scott Thompson says aldermen could consider either a sales tax increase or levying a utility tax to help pay the city's roughly $300,000 share of a federal matching grant.
He says the $800,000 in federal money was for repaving three sides of the square using salvaged bricks. The side that carries US Route 24 would be paved with concrete, as would the parking areas.
However, he says aldermen want to go further. They will look into a program that could use TIF money, or other funds, to induce businesses to move to the square.
Thompson says a plan to help businesses redo their facades has also been suggested.
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Aldermen have been discussing whether to use the grant for many months.
While the city's share would be around $200,000, Thompson says he's figuring on needing at least $300,000 to cover unexpected expenses, and items such as lighting.
Aldermen will discuss at future meetings how they can raise the money for the local share of the project.
Plans will also include some upgrades to Central Park and the Gazebo area in the center of the Square.