The Village of West Salem Board met Monday night covering a range of community and administrative items.
Mayor Jeffrey Bradham reminded residents that the West Salem Freedom Festival is set for this weekend. The event is organized by the Volunteer Firemen’s Association of West Salem, Inc. and will feature a parade, fireworks, a car show, and other activities. Additional details are available on the group’s Facebook page. Trustees were informed the village has been awarded a $26,000 Small Equipment Grant from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. The funding will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for firefighters.
The board also approved a Tax Increment Financing redevelopment agreement with The Village Courtyard at 108 W. South Street, a new local business offering event space, wedding and event planning services, rentals, and an ice cream shop. Dartt & Company LLC presented the Fiscal Year 2025 audit and a proposal for the FY2026 audit. Trustees accepted the FY2025 audit and approved the FY2026 work at an estimated cost of $22,000.
In other business, the board approved Resolution 2026-K, establishing guidelines for sponsoring nonprofit programs that align with village priorities, and approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the “America 250 Parade,” scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. The parade route will run along Church Street and around the Square, with retired Fire Chief Harvey Fenton serving as Grand Marshal.
The board appointed Matthew Bare as a seasonal WADI worker through Wabash Area Development, Incorporated, with his salary and benefits covered through the agency while he works in the public works department. Trustees also approved amendments to the village code clarifying that dogs are allowed in public parks if leashed and that owners must properly dispose of waste.
The next regular Village Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.