DeKalb Approves $60,000 TIF Loan for Downtown Event Venue

DEKALB — The DeKalb City Council approved a $60,000 forgivable loan through Tax Increment Financing District 3 for Elisa and Marty Boughner to renovate the former church building at 220 N. Third St. into a private event venue for gatherings of fewer than 100 people. The venue would host showers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners and retirement parties, with food and drinks provided by outside caterers. The city funding will help cover required fire safety and accessibility upgrades, including a fire alarm system and entryway improvements. The Boughners expect to invest about $100,000 in the renovation. The agreement passed on a 3 to 1 vote, with Mayor Barnes recusing himself from the discussion because he owns a downtown commercial building that receives TIF funding.