Pana City Council looks at TIF District for lake area

(PANA) — The Pana City Council met on Monday night and plans for establishing a new TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District to take in the entire Lake Pana area gained Council support.

Keith Moran with Moran Economic Development, presented the package to members on Monday night. The purpose of the TIF is to help finance revamping the recreational facilities at the lake, as well as attract more residential development and tourism.

Revisions were made to the video gaming ordinance for the city. License fees will increase to $250 per machine which an establishment has in its building. However, those which are housed in fraternal, charitable organizations, will have the rate set at $50 per machine. The ordinance was approved on second reading.

An amendment to add territory to the Taylorville- Christian County Enterprise Zone gained approval on first reading. The territory to be included is located near Tovey for the establishment of a solar-electric generation project.

City Engineer Greg Holthaus said plans are in the works to get the Ninth Street improvement project on the June bid letting of the Illinois Department of Transportation. The improvements are planned on Ninth St., in front of Pana Community Hospital, from Chestnut St. east to Fair Ave.

The Council authorized plans to go forward to build a powder activated carbon building at the city’s water treatment plant on Lake Pana and to advertise for bids. Bids are due by 2:00 p.m. on Apr. 5, 2022.

A pay authorization for construction work at the water treatment plant was approve in the amount of just over $21,900.

An Easter Egg hunt in Kitchell Park was approved for Apr. 9, 2022.

Authorization for the sale of real estate at 509 S. Poplar and for acquisition of properrty at 306 S. State were approved.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Next meeting of the Pana City Council is Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Pana City Hall, 120 E. Third St.