Prospect Heights raises some fees

If you didn't buy your Prospect Heights vehicle stickers and animal licenses, you'll pay more now since the city bumped up the cost.

The increase will jump city revenue by as much as $50,000, city officials said.

Vehicle stickers for cars increased from $30 to $35 and for most trucks from $40 to $45. However, if you didn't buy your sticker by March 31, the fee is double as a penalty.

"The penalty would've been $60, but now with the price increase, it will be $70 dollars (for a village sticker)," said Pam Arrigoni, city manager. If you are new to the city or you recently bought another car, you will not be required to pay the penalty, she said.

Pet licenses increased from $10 to $12.

The financial gains won't be seen by the city until next year, Arrigoni said. That's because most residents have bought stickers.

The $2 and $5 increases for pet licenses and vehicle stickers were picked because the city board didn't want to bump up the price too much, even though it hadn't been raised in years, said Acting Mayor Pat Ludvigsen.

The board decided modest increments was the best way to go, so residents wouldn't be shocked by a significant jump in price, he said.

The board has looked at raising fees to bring in revenue. Last year, the city increased rental unit inspection fees from $40 to $100.

The board will next be looking into building permit fees, Arrigoni said.