East Dundee tightens rules for residential facade program

East Dundee will resume its residential fix-up program with tighter regulations and a more thorough application process.

Three of the six village trustees, however, opposed continuing the program altogether.

The program, which has been on hold since April, was created to encourage homeowners to invest in the appearance of their properties, which officials hoped would improve property values throughout the village. Applicants could be awarded up to $5,000 in matching funds, taken from the village's video gambling revenue, for projects such as front porch repairs, siding replacement or other exterior renovations.

The village board Monday voted 4-3 to adopt a formal program policy, which offers more specific guidelines on eligible projects and requires village board approval before funding is awarded to any applicant.

Still, Trustee Rob Gorman said he has not seen enough evidence of its success to support the village's investment in private properties.

"I just find that it is a program that benefits so few," he said. "It's just not the right way to be spending tax money."

Trustees Allen Skillicorn and Alan Hall also opposed the measure. Village President Lael Miller broke the tie with a "yes" vote.

Trustee Dan Selep, who favored adopting the new policy, said his neighbor was able to significantly improve his home's appearance by participating in the program. "I've seen this program work," he said.

The board also voted 4-3 to release $51,650 to a list of applicants who met the program's former guidelines and had already been approved for the 2017 fiscal year.

East Dundee receives about $12,000 per month in video gambling revenues from its 10 gaming establishments. Trustee Jeff Lynam said he believes the program's source of funding makes it worthwhile, noting he does not support video gambling in the village,

"As a compromise to that, the idea of giving a portion of it back to a program like this makes sense," Lynam said.

But Gorman argued officials should consider the most efficient use of village money, regardless of the source.

"I don't think we should continue the error going forward of a program which benefits only a few residents," he said, "and is not something that I honestly believe (does) what we said it would do."