Alderman opposes use of sales tax money for sewer projects

Nearly two million dollars in sewer projects will soon be bid out in Peru.  Some of the work is related to an expansion of Eakas Corporation.  A portion of the cost will be paid with money from a .5% sales tax increase that was approved this summer.

That has alderman Dave Potthoff upset.  He was the lone no vote when the council Monday night hired Chamlin and Associates for the projects.  He says a lot of people were under the impression the sales tax would be used for streets and sidewalks in a residential area.

Mayor Scott Harl says a lot of the work would need to be done even if Eakas wasn’t expanding.  Harl says $675,000 in state grants and $300,000 from a earlier bond will also help pay for the work that includes lift station upgrades and more.