Crest Hill lowers fees for new library
By Erin Biesen For The Herald-News July 6, 2012 10:42AM
Updated: August 9, 2012 6:28AM
CREST HILL — The Crest Hill City Council voted to reduce the building permit fees and tap-on fees by 50 percent for the new White Oak Library at 20670 Kubinski Drive. However, the issue raised concerns among the council members.
Ward 1 Alderman Scott Dyke felt that the library should have to pay a much lower percentage than 50 percent. In the past, the council waived fees for the fire department, park district and schools.
Dyke said the city only charged these bodies for the costs it incurred.
“I think we should start out at a lower amount. I suggested at the meeting 20 to 25 percent of the cost. This way it’s not too much of a hit. If we are going to start we need to start at a lower amount,” Dyke said.
Ward 3 Alderwoman Tina Oberlin said reducing the costs by 50 percent was a fair compromise.
Ward 3 Alderman Neal Sternisha said the city should not reduce any of the fees at this time.
“We are talking about roughly a $50,000 revenue loss for the city of Crest Hill if we go down this route,” Sternisha said.
Claudia Gazal, Ward 2 alderwoman, reiterated Sternisha’s concerns.
“I don’t feel like I have to keep giving everything away at this point. We would help if we could,” she said.
In other news:
A partial watering ban took effect July 3. Odd-number homes may water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while even-number homes may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. On Sunday watering is prohibited.
The police department hired two new police officers: Heidi Speckman and Von Stein.
The council also passed an ordinance allowing video poker machines in liquor license establishments.
“It rests now in the hands of the state of Illinois, as soon as they get back to us our business owners will be able to implement this in their businesses if they so choose,” Mayor Ray Soliman said.
