Des Plaines OKs plans for new police HQ, fire station
Public safety has won a big nod from Des Plaines aldermen. Nearly $11 million will be spent next year to move forward on plans to add a new Des Plaines police headquarters and build at least one new fire station.
Aldermen have approved $10 million to replace the city's 33-year-old police headquarters adjacent to city hall, 1420 Miner St.
That sum includes $8.5 million to buy property and $1.5 million for architectural plans. City officials have identified the preferred site as Littelfuse Inc., 800 E. Northwest Hwy.
Police Chief James Prandini took the decision reached during budget talks last week as a good sign that police will get a new home. It has been something requested by police for years.
"I'm cautiously optimistic," he said Tuesday as aldermen resumed budget talks.
Aldermen also backed spending $745,000 next year to design a new fire station and plans to renovate the River Road station, where the headquarters currently is located.
The city owns property on Central Road for a new station to serve the northern end of Des Plaines, while the site of a new station to serve the southern part of the city is in dispute, Deputy Fire Chief Art Zern said.
Estimates put the combined public safety projects to at least $88 million over more than 25 years due to the city borrowing money.
On Tuesday night, aldermen resumed talks on a proposed $120.3 million spending plan for next year.
Aldermen narrowly approved increasing the telecommunications tax from 3 percent to 6 percent, which would raise $381,249 next year. The increase would mean an extra $1.5 million in the first full year of the increase in 2009, officials said.
Officials also decided to create a sewer fee for residents, which would bring the city $2.1 million next year. The fee will be 70 cents for each 100 cubic feet of water.
That will amount to about $90 for the average Des Plaines homeowner.
Third Ward Alderman Laura Murphy, 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten and 8th Ward Alderman Rosemary Argus voted against the tax increases.
Aldermen also decided to increase the city's hotel tax by two percentage points to bring in about $450,000 a year.
They expect to approve the spending plan at the council's regular Dec. 3 meeting.
Police: Aldermen create sewer tax, double telecom tax