Church-state questions arise in funding Itasca theater group

Before Itasca officials approve using about $450,000 in hotel tax revenues to help a nonprofit theater group buy a permanent home in the village, several trustees said they need important questions answered.

Overshadowed Productions, which is run by Reba Hervas, wife of village attorney Chuck Hervas, is eyeing several Itasca sites with prices ranging from $1.8 to $2.5 million. Hervas met with village leaders Tuesday to continue talks on securing help with a down payment from Itasca, which began last week.

Hervas said her ideal site would require a total teardown of the existing building. If Itasca uses tax dollars for this effort, Trustee Ellen Leahy wants to ensure it could benefit the village long-term.

"If the village is considering using those kind of dollars, which really are big dollars - I would feel a little more comfortable if the village purchased the property and (Overshadowed) built the building," said Leahy. "What happens when you grow out of it? There is a huge profit to be made there. And we don't get anything out of it. I don't think I could justify that to the residents."

Village President Jeff Pruyn agreed the board must consult an attorney to learn if it's possible for Itasca to purchase the land, or if village aid must be given directly to Overshadowed. Officials cannot consult village attorney Chuck Hervas, since he sits on the theater group's board of directors.

Trustee Mike Latoria also voiced concern about a possible conflict of using tax dollars to help Overshadowed build its theater, since the group's mission states it aims to present "family-friendly dramas that entertain, inspire and promote a Biblical message."

"I'm concerned that this is not totally nondenominational," Latoria said. "A lot of us have a concern with church and state and to make sure we're not violating anything. I think it would be worthwhile to make sure someone investigates, because that question will come up."

Trustees also agreed to consult an outside attorney on this topic.

Many trustees did express a desire to keep Overshadowed Productions in Itasca. The group performs in donated space at Itasca Baptist Church and Hervas said her company is also being courted by Hoffman Estates officials.

Trustee Jeff Aiani said he thinks keeping Overshadowed in Itasca is about more than just the potential customers it could drive to local hotels and downtown restaurants.

"I believe the intangible thing we're doing is continuing something the community has been supporting," he said.

Trustees will meet again next Tuesday to continue discussions on Overshadowed Productions.