East Dundee considers starting economic development group

Leaders in East Dundee are banking on a not-for-profit corporation to spur development in the village.

The village is in the process of developing East Dundee First!, a seven-member group of local business people and town officials that will be in charge of enhancing economic and community development strategies within the village.

"This will be a member-based organization to promote development and opportunities in the area and allow for the pursuit of corporate grants," Village Administrator Frank Koehler said. "There are grants that are available to (not-for-profit) groups but are not available to municipalities."

Though the group employs the village's name, Koehler said the corporation will remain independent.

"This will be a stand-alone organization that will be making the applications for the grants," Koehler said. "There will be three permanent members from the village, and that will lead to symmetry between the two organizations."

The seven-member board of directors will include four people appointed by the village president, as well as the village president, village administrator and village treasurer, according the group's bylaws.

That makeup is troubling to Trustee Michael Ruffulo, who posited that the three village members could have unscrupulous motives.

"What happens if, five years down the line, we get a bad guy in office who hires the village administrator, who hires the village treasurer?" Ruffulo said. "I would like to see a few more members from the village board on there for some extra checks and balances."

Despite his concerns, Ruffulo said he would support the organization's creation.

"Theoretically, it is a great plan. It just needs to be tweaked a little," he said. "But it is a nice tool to raise money. People are more willing to donate money to a not-for-profit. Corporations receive a tax benefit and it is a great way to develop economic interests and perhaps some development."

East Dundee has implemented several economic initiatives in the past few months, such as the creation of a business development district near routes 25 and 72 and an incentive program offering free gas to car buyers.