Tim Millar: 2025 candidate for Palatine Village Council District 1

Bio

Office Sought: Palatine Village Council District 1

City: Palatine

Age: 63

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Previous offices held: District 1, Palatine village council, since 2013; Community Consolidated District 15 board member (2005-2013)

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village council respond to it?

Many of our residents express concerns regarding rising real estate taxes which impacts housing affordability. While the village is minimizing our share of the real estate taxes by planning to freeze them, it is critical to grow and maintain a strong commercial base.

Our commercial base not only provides jobs but also provides a buffer for the residents against any real estate tax increases. As more commerce shifts to the virtual world, we need to continually look for ways to bolster our commercial corridors.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Due to our thoughtful planning, the village of Palatine is a fiscally sound village. We are on solid financial ground (with an AA+ bond rating) and we are enjoying a sustainable economy. We are basically debt-free with no debt levy for the first time in 100 years!

Our long-term planning has enabled us to complete our last major facility upgrade (joint maintenance facility) without raising taxes or borrowing funds. As long as we stay with the plan we have in place, this will continue for the next four years and beyond.

Top priorities include continuing prudent fiscal management and continuing to grow our tax base with new businesses and developments.

Under the leadership of our village manager, mayor, and council members, we run the most efficient government in our area. We now have fewer employees than we had in 2008, and we are still able to provide high-quality, first-class services to our community while still being able to invest in our infrastructure.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Although our roads are currently in the best condition they have been in decades, we need to continue to improve the roads the village is responsible for.

We need to replace aging water mains (plan in place) and continue to address some flooding issues, particularly at Colfax and Smith. Working with other government agencies, there is currently a project underway that would convey water to the Reimer Reservoir, and this is moving forward.

In addition, we are currently in the process of updating our last major facility (joint maintenance facility) to better service the community and we expect no more major projects for over 20 years. We have planned strategically for uncertain economic times, but we always have flexibility when roads need to be resurfaced and we can extend their useful life with repairs without a negative impact on the community.

Lastly, it is important to note that because of our thoughtful planning, the current projects are to be funded without any increase in taxes!

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village council.

During my career, I have made it a point to collaborate not only with my fellow council members and residents, but also with local, county, and state officials. When working in a group to determine policy, I give everyone an opportunity to speak and I value everyone’s opinions. I offer insight based on my previous experience and knowledge.

I do a lot of research before a discussion is had. I reach out to experts in different fields and bring all of this knowledge and information to the discussions. I’m not afraid to ask the unpopular questions and I welcome open debate, as many issues have many sides and all need to be explored and addressed to get to the optimal outcome.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My depth of knowledge and experience. I’m a fiscally responsible business person with the experience to help keep us on the right track. I’ve created companies/jobs. I’ve acquired companies with offices in multiple states as well as set up distribution internationally. I was president of an international public technology company. I understand the challenges our businesses face.

I’m versed in residential/commercial construction, reading blueprints/engineering plans that we review frequently. I understand payroll, liability insurance, workman’s compensation, and union labor agreements. I’m a long-term planner that believes in stability. I’m a hands-on councilman willing to meet with the people of my district, HOA’s, businesses owners, and cultural centers.

I take my responsibilities seriously. Every decision and vote I ask, “Is this what’s best for the community as a whole, with added sensitivity to my district.” I see the forest and the trees and understand the intricacies of both.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

Palatine is a wonderful community made up of incredibly generous and supportive people. We are a vibrant village with a great downtown. We are continuing to draw new businesses as well as continuing to support our current businesses. We work with our local organizations to bring our community of diverse neighborhoods together through community events creating a fun social scene.

We listen to our residents and work to keep our communities a great place to call home. All of that being said, I believe increasing housing opportunities for aging Palatine residents via ranch style developments, is something we should pursue.