Dieterich Board Close to Start on Community Center

Dieterich officials are getting close to the start of work on their community center.

Dieterich Village Clerk and Economic Development Coordinator Brittny Gipson said the village hopes to seek bids on the project as part of the State bid letting on April 7.

The community center will not only house activities for the community but also a day care center, something long sought in the village. The project will be funded by State grant dollars in large part, except for the day care component, which will be privately funded. Dirt work on the project should get started this spring.

At the Dieterich board's meeting this week, the board approved amended water and sewer rates. Those rates will increase by 7.81%.

It was also decided to raise renter fees for damage and cleaning deposits at the Liberty Park Pavilion and the Civic Center. The fee for use of either facility will now be $200, up from $50, but Gipson reminded that if the renters clean up the facility after use, they will get reimbursed for their deposit.

Gipson also reported that the village is switching back to AmerenIllinois for delivery of electricity since it was the best option.

The Board has also approved a lease with Just the Ticket for space in the new Village Hall. Jeff Richards had leased space in the building under its previous owner, and asked whether he could keep his office there.

Board members also hired Connie Faught for village cemetery mowing work for 2022 for $275 per mowing, and discussed but did not act on a TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Wohltman-Aherin Insurance.

There was also discussion as to how to best utilize a $125,000 State grant for stormwater improvement. The Board has decided on a project along East Section Street, but the matter still needs to be finalized.