ALTAMONT – Illinois will remove its 1% grocery tax in January 2026. Municipalities will have the authority to replace that tax, which is what the Altamont City council recently discussed and plans to do.
Instead of the tax money going to the state, it will be going back into the city’s general fund.
“It’ll just shift,” said City Clerk Sarah Stephen. “Instead of being dispersed between several different entities, it will all come to the city now.”
The council also approved a $12,700 payment to Courts and Cracks to repaint Nori’s Yard Multi-Use Court which will also include a new basketball goal similar to the ones in Gilbert Park.
“It looks very nice,” said Mayor Mike Walker. “I look forward to everyone using that this summer.”
“I just want to thank … the community team members that raised the money to do this,” said City Commissioner Tayler Polk. “Looks excellent. There’s kids there all the time. Mine, as well.”
In other news:
Milano & Grunloh Owner and Project Manager Lee Beckman updated the council on some projects in progress around town.
When the new sidewalks are installed along Main Street, they will be 1.5 times bigger than the previous ones and ADA compliant.
Beckman is also planning an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program project to upgrade lighting, boulevards and sidewalks along both sides of Main Street from the railroad tracks to Route 40.
Effingham County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care Coordinator Samantha Hicks informed the council of how ROSC works with individuals and families that suffer from substance use disorder and mental health disorders.
“One of our main focuses for this fiscal year is to reach the smaller villages outside of Effingham City because that city has a good abundance of resources,” said Hicks. “But the villages outside of Effingham City face different barriers as far as long-term recovery, sobriety and mental health issues.”
Hicks wants to support the people that need those types of services and connect them with support.
The council also approved the sale of 107 North Main Street which was a continuation of the tabled item from August when the council wasn’t full.
The city sold the vacant property to RDM Designs Custom Cabinetry & Flooring so they can expand the business to the north.
The next Altamont City Council meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 6 p.m. at the municipal building.