Island Lake may ask for $10 million for village hall, police
The Island Lake village board Thursday night discussed asking voters in April for up to $10 million to build a new village hall and police facility.
One proposal, by design architects Burnidge Cassell Associates, to revamp the existing village hall and build a new police facility and gymnasium, could cost taxpayers more than $12 million.
That price tag includes $4.3 million for a free-standing police station, $5.3 million to expand and remodel the existing village hall, and $2.5 million for a new regulation-size gym.
Village officials decided to forego the gymnasium right now.
"I think the consensus was the gym is the least of the priorities of the three elements that were looked at," Island Lake Mayor Tom Hyde said.
Officials said there are two schools in the village with large-enough gymnasiums that could be used.
Village officials say the more than 50-year-old village hall at 3720 Greenleaf Ave., a former grade school that is now also home to the police department, needs upgrading.
Officials did not agree Thursday on exactly how much money to borrow from taxpayers.
"Burnidge Cassell provided us with a preliminary budget estimate," Trustee John Ponio said. "That is by no means a set-in-stone project for the village of Island Lake. My professional opinion is I feel $8 million is sufficient for what we need to do."
Ponio said the village may consider using other architects once voters approve the spending by referendum.
Trustee Rich Garling said the village should ask for the full $10 million.
Officials did not readily have figures for how much a $10 million or $8 million bond issue would cost the average homeowner.
Feb. 2 is the deadline for the village to approve a referendum question to be placed on the April 7 ballot. The village board will likely decide the matter at its Jan. 29 meeting.
The village won't be able to fund any of the projects without borrowing money from taxpayers, since village coffers have little reserves.
Village finance director John Little said there's no money set aside for a project for $12 million.
Buildings: Gym project is least-needed of three