MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Mattoon City Council continues to face criticism from locals following an incident last month in which a toxic algae bloom rendered the city’s water unfit for use.
“Mattoon is a nice town, but I believe there’s a lot that could and should be improved,” said Michelle Cook, who owns 4 Paws Spa and Boutique.
Cook is questioning some of the decisions that have been made.
“I don’t expect anything from Mattoon City Council. Nothing,” Cook said. “I have lost a lot of faith in them.”
She said she lost more than $1,200 when the toxic algae bloom knocked out the water supply.
“It was somewhat beyond our control, that much is certain. However, we’ve had numerous residents reaching out to us with complaints about water bills, and we’re doing our best to address these issues,” stated Kyle Gill, the City Manager of Mattoon.
Gill said one of their council members is collecting information from business owners to see if they qualify for a small business loan.
“If they did lose some business and and weren’t able to be open, you know, this is a loan that can get them through the tough time,” Gill said.
Cook doesn’t believe the small business loan is enough.
“I have to pay the loan back plus interest, okay, so it’s going to be costing even more money in the long run,” Cook said.
