Streamwood OKs fees to add firefighters, police

Without fanfare or discord, Streamwood's six trustees Thursday unanimously approved the budgeting of three new firefighters, two new police officers and the creation of a vehicle impound fee to pay for them in 2008.

Much discussion and debate had been needed in recent weeks to get the board to that point. But when it came time for the vote, the decision was agreeable to all of them.

"The whole process we went through, this was a first in my 20 years on the board," senior Trustee James Cecille said.

Many of the disagreements that arose could have been avoided if trustees had been part of the budgeting process earlier, Cecille said.

Newer board members are demanding a stronger voice in decision-making, and Cecille hopes the budget process will be changed next year to accommodate that.

Village President Billie Roth thanked the trustees for their hard work and willingness to compromise on details for the good of the residents.

"It was an interesting process," she said. "Very educational. I know it was a difficult process for everyone and that not everyone is happy with everything as written."

Some trustees spoke in favor of the original request to add six firefighters -- two for each shift -- but all were willing to live with just three.

No one spoke against adding the new personnel.

Another controversial issue was the use of the vehicle impound fee to pay for the new hires, which Village Manager Gary O'Rourke and Police Chief Alan Popp recommended against.

Their recommendation was based on the possibility of the fee being overturned by a legal challenge, as well as concern that it wouldn't be a consistent source of income.

The implementation of the $500 impound fee also will require the hiring of a new records clerk in the police department. The fee will be charged when vehicles are seized in DUIs, suspended-license arrests or used in the commission of felonies.

With an estimated seizure of 800 vehicles per year, the fee would bring in approximately $400,000 annually. The new hires will cost a total of $375,000 a year.

The impound fee likely will start early next year, with the new firefighters coming aboard in the spring. It may take until the summer or fall for the new police officers to be hired, Popp said.