A new police unit? War on a beetle? Palatine preps for '08

Creating a police traffic unit, significant street resurfacing and preparing for the emerald ash borer are some of the major projects in store for Palatine next year.

These items are part of a proposed budget Palatine village council members will discuss in a committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. today at village hall.

Palatine's proposed $113 million budget for 2008 also includes money to hire a part-time event coordinator, acquire property for a new fire station and establish a reverse 911 system.

Among many changes that will be discussed by elected officials in the coming weeks, here are a few:

Police traffic unit

Officials say one of the biggest complaints from neighborhood groups in Palatine is a lack of traffic and police presence in neighborhoods.

The proposed budget recommends the creation of a two-officer traffic unit within the police department, to increase police presence in local areas.

Marketing position

Officials say Palatine is looking to expand its direct involvement in special events and needs a lead staff person for this. Events like Street Fest and the holiday tree lighting would fall here. The new position would help to brand and market events better.

Prepare for beetle

Over the past year, talks have been ongoing about how to prepare for a potential threat of the emerald ash borer on trees in Palatine. Under the proposed budget, money is allocated to remove unhealthy ash trees and replace them.

New fire station

The fire station at 455 W. Dundee Road needs to be relocated to the Northwest Highway and Quentin Road area, officials say. Money is set aside to assist with the potential relocation and purchase of land.

A tentative date of Dec. 3 is set for a public hearing on the budget. It's tentatively set that the budget adoption process would start Dec. 10.