Villa Park wants voters to OK home rule status

When it comes to new rules, Villa Park officials want more power.

When it comes to new taxes, they say they're willing to give the power back to residents.

Trustees are asking voters to return home rule status to the village so they can create more local laws. Home rule status also gives municipalities the ability to exceed the state-mandated property tax cap.

But trustees say that's not their intent, and they've passed additional ordinances they say demonstrate good faith.

The non-binding ordinances say the board will both abide by the current property tax cap and also give residents the right to stop the addition of any new user tax, such as a tax on gasoline or cigarettes, said Village Manager Bob Niemann.

"This is about property maintenance and licensing of landlords and businesses," he said. "We cannot have housing rental inspections without home rule authority."

For example, the village has limited options on some condemned buildings. If trustees could pass ordinances with more bite, "we could deal with it quicker," Trustee John Davis said.

"We promise that this current board, and hopefully boards (after us), will not raise property taxes," Davis said. "Home rule is really about cleaning up the town."

At first, Joey DeTomaso, was skeptical about the plan. But he said as he researched it and talked to people, he came to believe it truly could benefit Villa Park.

"I had all the same misconceptions and fears that everybody else has," said DeTomaso, who's organizing the citizen referendum support committee.

"The biggest benefit is that they can reverse the trend in Villa Park where certain areas are becoming more blighted over time, particularly rental areas," he said. "We have a good number of landlords who aren't here, they just take the money and rent to whoever shows up with cash."

To institute any new user tax, trustees first must provide residents with a statement of explanation, then hold two public hearings.

Residents then can force the issue to a referendum by collecting signatures equal to 10 percent of the total votes cast in the most recent presidential election.

Villa Park

Request: Grant home rule status to Villa Park

Cost: None

If it passes: The village board will have additional authority: it would have more freedom to increase property taxes, increase fines for tickets, enforce code violations, create a "crime free" program and establish systems to help both renters and landlords. Trustees approved another ordinance committing to continue abiding by the state property tax cap if voters grant home rule status. Voters also can reject any new proposed village taxes.

If it loses: The village would have to wait two more years before a similar proposal could be presented to voters.

Details: (630) 834-8500 or www.villaparkhomerule.com