Dieterich Village Board Discusses TIF Request from School District

Dieterich village board members Monday discussed a request from the Dieterich school district for Tax Increment Financing funds.

The District is seeking in excess of $30,000 in hopes of covering funds that would typically go to the school district, but will instead go to the Village through TIF. Village officials, though, say they have taken steps that has caused the growth in the village and a resultant growth in revenue in the school district. There will be more discussion in January.

Also to be revisited in January is a likely increase in village water rates. Village Clerk Brittny Gipson said costs rose when the EJ water plant at Gila began softening the water and the Village is trying to cover those increased costs.

Also discussed was a resident's proposal to allow laying hens and a duck in a penned area on residential property, but no one made a motion to vote on the request.

Also, the Dieterich board:

--discussed materials to be used on two pedestrian bridges to be built to cross the village creek

--donated $50 to Dieterich Fire Protection District for the Shop with a Fireman program

--awarded work to K&A Lewis for labor to pour a basketball court in North Pointe Park

--agreed to close the Village Hall at 10:30am this Thursday so village office personnel can attend a meeting in Newton

--decided against implementing an annual contractor registration

--and adopted Mission and Vision statements for the Village Board. The goals focus on Community, Growth, Teamwork, Vision, and Pride

The Village Board granted Christmas bonuses for village employees equal to $12.50 for each month worked for the Village this past year. Board members also approved a Christmas lighting contest for village residents. First prize is free water/sewer/trash service for the month of December, second prize is 75% off your bill for the month, and third prize is 50% off your bill. All of the voting will be done on the Village of Dieterich Facebook page.