The Macomb City Council voted Monday to approve housing rehabilitation grants for residents of the East Side and West Side Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts.
“We really want to improve the housing stock and we’re asking for the participation of single-family home owners,” said Community Development Director Cesar Suarez.
According to Suarez, the grants could be used primarily for exterior remodeling or demolition. A total of $100,000 has been approved for East Side grants, with $50,000 approved for the West Side. Applicants would have one year to complete the projects that are funded.
Downtown Development Director Savanna Ballard added that $100,000 would be allocated for downtown business facade improvements. Individual grants will be available up to $20,000 each. The 30-day application deadline runs from May 1 through June 1.
Aldermen voted to approve a resolution declaring a $17,508 surplus in the West Side TIF District. The money would be divided between the other taxing bodies that contribute to the district, which was formed in 2009, with the understanding that 12 percent of its annual income would be returned to the taxing bodies.
The city council held a public hearing on Macomb’s $52.7 million 2025-2026 city budget. City resident Dana Roy Walker objected to a planned water bill debt service fee increase from $12.25 to $25.33 per month.
“This is grossly unfair,” he said. “It amounts to a subsidy for the big water users at the expense of local homeowners.”
The council approved its intent to award $35.5 million to low bidder River City Construction for the building of a new water plant. Macomb will receive an Illinois EPA revolving loan for completion of the three-year project. Also awarded was $2.8 million to Municipal Well and Pump for the drilling and installation of three deep wells to remotely serve the new water plant. The project would also include an aquifer test. The council also approved awarding a $3.6 million contract to Leander Construction for the second phase of improvements at the city sewer plant. Macomb will receive an Illinois EPA revolving loan to help pay for the project.
In other business, aldermen approved payment of $30,373 to Pella Windows for 24 window sashes at Macomb City Hall, and $750,000 in state motor fuel tax income to repair Macomb streets and highways. A resolution was also approved listing $685,800 for Illinois Highway Code maintenance. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said the difference in the amounts would cover other expenses that come up during the new fiscal year.
