Area News

Oquawka  Board Votes In 1% Grocery Tax After State Removed Tax

By Jeff Tee, River Rat News “Just the facts, Ma’am”

The Oquawka village Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd. Present were Village Trustees Brock Miller, Mark Lumbeck, Vallie Harley, Nancy Bundy; Village Attorney Andy Youngquist; Village Clerk Callie Thacker; and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker. Village President Scott Ray along with Village Trustees Troy Jern and Shawn Hurt were absent. Trustee Nancy Bundy was acting Mayor Pro-Tem.

MAYOR AND STAFF

Ray and Bundy have been attending flood mitigation meetings. FEMA could potentially help with the Village’s needs both during and after severe weather and flooding. 

Some ideas Ray and Bundy put together are: multi use shelter for storms, Back up generator for village hall, Warning siren for the south side of town,  a new flood gate for end of main street, develop a plan for safe drinking water if needed, sand bagging machines, and create a registry of vulnerable citizens; for example people who require help with oxygen or getting out of their home.

Carey discussed grants that may be available to the Village for different projects.

ATTORNEY REPORT

Youngquist had been working through the court system to force the cleanup of what’s commonly known as the Don McVey property, located east of War Memorial Park.

Youngquist explained the state has eliminated the 1% state grocery tax but, in doing so, it has given the option to counties and municipalities to implement the tax locally. If the board votes to impose the tax, it would become effective January 1st 2027. 

Lumbeck noted the tax would go directly to the Village’s general fund and has nothing to do with property taxes. Miller reiterated the tax has historically been paid to the state in the past and, because of that, consumers probably wouldn’t notice a change. 

Groceries are defined as food for human consumption, that is to be consumed off premises from where it is sold. It does not include alcoholic beverages, food infused with cannabis, soft drinks and candy, or food that has been prepared for immediate consumption.  

Motion by Lumbeck to implement the 1% grocery tax. Second by Miller. Lumbeck: YES  Miller: YES  Harley: YES Bundy: YES - Motion carried.

ZONING REPORT

Zoning Officer John Newton informed the board about a construction project that had begun without a permit. John stated he and Ray had discussed imposing and/or raising the fine for building without a permit. The board will discuss further at the work session.

POLICE REPORT

The board discussed purchasing as many as three defibrators to be placed at the pool, in the squad car, and at Village Hall. The cost per defib is $1990.  

After an explanation from Police Chief Don Shamblin, a motion was made by Lumbeck to purchase two defibrillators. Second by Harley.

Lumbeck: YES Miller: YES Harley: YES Bundy: YES - Motion carried.

Lumbeck explained Shamblin had been instructed to get bids for a portable police radio. It was explained that the current handheld radio will not communicate with the Henderson County Sheriff’s newer digital radios. This potentially could be dangerous if Shamblin or another Oquawka policeman was away from his car, which has a newer digital radio, and needed to radio the Sheriff’s dispatcher. Shamblin received two bids. The highest bid was over $15,000 for one handheld portable radio. The second bid was for $7222.

Motion by Miller to purchase the radio for $7222. Second by Lumbeck. Lumbeck: YES Miller: YES Harley: YES Bundy: YES - Motion Carried.

Shamblin discussed an abandoned A-Frame house located on the corner of 8th and Clay streets. He stated there are wild animals living in it and garbage overflowing a dumpster outside of it. 

He went on to say he looked in the windows and saw no walls, ceilings or floors. 

There was a short discussion on who actually owns the house. Youngquist will look in to it further.

PARKS &  RECREATION

Pool manager Breck McVey addressed the board to give the first pool report of the season. She noted the pool has averaged 48 people/ day, sold one individual pool pass and one family pool pass, and has one pool party scheduled so far.

There will be a parade on July 4th at 10am.

Fireworks will be July 3rd at dusk.

MEETING ADJOURNED