DeKALB – DeKalb aldermen took a step forward Monday in creating new tax increment financing districts along South Fourth Street and 2131-2211 Sycamore Road.

The two areas were identified in a preliminary report as being qualified for a special tax mechanism that local governments use to encourage development.

City Manager Mark Biernacki said in an interview that the “ball” on the TIF process will begin rolling sometime in February, if the City Council approves a contract hiring a firm to begin the work on creating these districts.