DuPage flood fees fleece the taxpayer

DuPage flood fees fleece the taxpayer

DuPage County is taking advantage of flood-ravaged citizens with exorbitant permit costs. After the most recent flood many homeowners have once again had to replace furnaces, refinish damaged basements or have felt the need to install expensive generators to protect their property.

For any of these restorative project the county requires an $80 permit, an $80 bond (which is refunded at the end of the process) plus $100 for an inspection. The final permit cost to be $180 — $260 to be paid up front.

It seems reasonable that the original cost of the permit would also cover an inspection.

That is not all. If by chance the homeowner doesn’t hear the doorbell when the inspector arrives — sometime during a three hour window — we were told he will not use his cellphone to inform you that he is on or near the premises. This seems an arrogant abuse of consideration for the taxpayer. Especially since, in that case, he will leave a notice the inspection has been rejected and one is expected to reschedule at an additional cost of $100. This also to be paid before rescheduling may occur.

Thus the final cost of a permit is an unbelievable $280.

This is an absolute fleecing of the taxpayer. We have lived in this area for many years and, along with others, are fed up with the impotency of our county to deal with these perpetual flooding problems. In light of this, it is unfortunate that our county officials see fit to take advantage of its residents and add insult to injury in this way.

I would encourage others to get their homeowners associations involved. It is time to determine who in the county sets these policies and voice our outrage at this excessiveness.

Sally Bintz

Wheaton