The Woodstock City Council approved a property tax levy of about $8.35 million to finance its upcoming fiscal year. The tax levy, approved Dec. 5, does not include the inflationary increase allowed under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law but does take into account new growth in equalized assessed value within the city. Last year’s […]
Woodstock City Council meetings soon will be available to watch online. Beginning this winter, each of the council’s twice-monthly meetings will be livestreamed and archived to the city’s website. The City Council approved a contract Oct. 3 with web video company Granicus for a year of service for $8,752, which includes a one-time setup fee […]
Plans are moving forward for a new commercial complex with a drive-thru on Highway 14 after the Woodstock City Council backed the development at its Sept. 5 meeting. Chicago-based Troutman and Dams LLC wants to build a 10,400-square-foot, multi-unit complex in front of Farm & Fleet at the southeast corner of Highway 14 and Lake […]
Following a public hearing on the matter, city officials differ on whether or not to implement a home-rule sales tax in Woodstock — and if so, how much the city should charge. The City Council is considering increasing Woodstock’s sales tax on general merchandise. The tax rate could rise from 7 to 8 percent, although […]
The Woodstock City Council approved an ordinance Dec. 6 setting its 2016 property tax levy at $9.26 million that forgoes an inflationary increase. The 2016 levy is $77,605 higher than last year’s total, which city officials said is attributable solely to new growth in the city. The equalized assessed value of all properties in Woodstock […]
City officials support retaining long-term public ownership of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House as Woodstock continues to restore the historic property and search for new uses for the old buildings. A report discussed by the Woodstock City Council Nov. 15 suggests the city remain the owner of the property on Johnson Street rather than […]
A proposal for a downtown mural highlighting Woodstock’s entertainment bona fides received a warm reception from city officials. The Woodstock City Council discussed the mural during its Nov. 15 meeting, when graphic designer Michael Stanard, owner of Woodstock’s One Zero Charlie, presented details from a plan he spearheaded with Councilman RB Thompson. The mural, planned […]
Woodstock police officers will be outfitted with body cameras in a move city officials said is aimed at ensuring accountability from police and members of the public alike. Each of the Woodstock Police Department’s patrol officers will be issued body-worn cameras in the coming months after the City Council unanimously approved their purchase Oct. 18. […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
