The Farmer City grocery coop is making steady progress in establishing itself in the community, and last week, the Farmer City Council took a step forward in helping with that effort.

City Administrator Taylor Baxter told the Hart Media Group that the City has entered into a redevelopment agreement with the Coop for $100,000 in reimbursable expenses in the business district and TIF district.

The grocery coop had begun doing an online offering of various foods in a basket at a flat rate. Baxter indicates that it is still how they are operating as they work towards a brick-and-mortar location on the Farmer City square.

According to Baxter, the City's support is a big step forward for the coop's establishment because it will likely bring other players forward to support them, among those is the DeWitt County Board.

Baxter indicates TIF districts are a very important piece for communities like Farmer City, and they help in the development of its downtown areas.