Now's not the time for pricey Villa Park road repairs

Villa Park voters are faced with a decision Feb. 2 regarding their roads, and their tax bills. A referendum asks voters whether the village should borrow $27.5 million to repair its bumpiest streets and increase the village sales tax by 0.5 percent to maintain them.

The proposed street improvement program would include reconstruction, resurfacing or patching of 54 streets throughout the village, as well as curb and gutter improvements and sewer repairs.

All this comes with a hefty tab, however.

A Villa Park homeowner with a $250,000 house would pay an additional $199 in property taxes each year for the next 20 years if the bond issue is approved.

The $27.5 million plan is the costliest of several proposals the village board considered. Board members went that route after hearing from residents at a series of meetings.

Officials argued that a growing number of residents were fed up with the "Band-Aid" approach and wanted the roads done - and done right.

Village officials also argue - and rightly so - that interest rates and lower-than-expected bids make the work more affordable at this time. Yet, the cost of such an ambitious road program at this time is simply too high.

The economy has taken its toll on families across the suburbs, and the additional tax burden is more than many can bear. Thus, we recommend voting "no."