The Macomb City Council voted Tuesday to establish the city’s first business development district, despite opposition from a local businessman who warned the move could harm existing retailers.
Ian Nelson, owner of Nelson’s Clothing, argued the district would impose a sales tax comparable to Chicago’s and higher than Springfield’s. “This would give Macomb a sales tax equal to Chicago,” Nelson said.
Council members disagreed. Alderman Dave Dorsett said the district would benefit current businesses and attract new ones. “This will help Macomb move forward,” Alderman John Vigezzi added. Alderman Justin Schuch concurred, calling the district “needed.”
Mayor Mike Inman clarified that the business development district’s approval is separate from a proposed indoor sports facility. The council will vote on that project in the coming weeks.
City Administrator Scott Coker said the council held 12 meetings since February to discuss the district. “Think of the empty lots, the areas where we can improve things,” he said. “Most cities around us have already established business development districts.”
City Attorney Lisa Scalf explained the ordinance would create a one-percent retailers’ occupation tax, a service occupation tax, and a hotel operators’ occupation tax. “All revenues would be deposited in a development district fund,” she said.
In other business, the council voted to end its medical transportation and administrative services contract with Lifeguard Ambulance Service, effective December 31. Firefighters’ union complaints about overtime driving ambulances prompted the decision.
“Lifeguard will not go away,” Coker said. “Its primary contract is with McDonough District Hospital.” Mayor Inman said the decision gives Lifeguard four months to hire staff to replace city employees.
The council also approved a cable franchise agreement with Comcast, which will pay Macomb five percent of gross revenue from city subscribers.
Additionally, the council created a special event liquor license for the Western Illinois Museum’s Al Sears Music Festival, scheduled for September 19–21.
Residential rehabilitation grants were awarded to eight properties in the Macomb East Side Tax Increment Finance District, including addresses on East Calhoun, East Adams, North Edwards, North Pearl, and East Carroll streets. Five downtown businesses received facade improvement grants.
