Villa Park trustees question library's $24.9 million request

A proposed $24.9 million ballot question for the Villa Park Public Library might get shelved before voters can have a say because village leaders have reservations about the amount.

Library officials want to ask voters for permission to borrow the money to construct a new 48,000-square-foot building. Another proposal would seek voter approval to increase the library's operating tax rate by 8 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value.

But before the questions can appear on a ballot, Villa Park park trustees must sign off on the requests because the library operates under the village's umbrella.

Villa Park officials say the proposed $24.9 million loan would affect the village's borrowing ability and, possibly, its credit rating.

"It's like cosigning on a loan," said Eric Dubrowski, the village's finance director.

The village has the authority to borrow up to $47 million. It already has $11 million in loans.

While conceding that the library faces "a number of challenges" at its location, Trustee Albert Bulthuis said he's reluctant to support the request.

"If we're going to spend this kind of money, I'd like to see a little more return on our investment," Bulthuis said. "There are other options we should probably look at."

Contrary to comments by trustees, one resident said the request wasn't large enough.

Resident Joey DeTomaso told trustees that they pursue a joint facility that includes a library, community center, fitness center and indoor pool at the existing Jefferson Pool site on the village's north side.

"Building a new building on the current site won't help the community nearly as much as a new (combination) library could," DeTomaso said. "What's important to me are things that will strongly help the village move forward."

DeTomaso said he believes such a facility would be a "showpiece" for the village and a "catalyst" for much-needed redevelopment.

The idea elicited mixed reactions.

"The opportunity to make a brand-new community center ... does nothing but enhance this village," Trustee Tom Cullerton said. "I'd like to see if we can find a way to partner to find a north side solution."

Others were less enthusiastic.

"I want to build a stairway to the stars," Trustee Richard Illian said, "but we can't afford it."

While they expressed concerns about how the library's measure could affect the village's financial health, Village President Joyce Stupegia and trustees Jeff Blankensop and John Davis said the question should be decided by voters.

As proposed, the building bond request - to be repaid over 20 years- would cost roughly an additional $172 per year for the owners of a $250,000 home, library Trustee Stan Kosek said. The operating tax rate increase would add roughly $63 annually to the property tax bill of the same home, he said.

That translates into roughly $20 a month, according to library officials' estimates.

The additional space would remedy shortfalls with the existing facility's space for programming, books, meeting room, quiet study rooms, quiet reading areas and parking, officials said.

"The library is one of the most heavily used buildings in the community," library board President Robert Wagner said. "It's an important resource especially for people of modest means. Expansion is the way we need to go."