Economy new focus in Campton Hills

After nearly two years of battling attempts to dismantle the village, Campton Hills officials are turning their attention to the local economy.

This month, the village entered preliminary talks of forming a business association and a municipal economic development committee to help stabilize and promote local commerce.

"It's to everybody's benefit to have strong and successful businesses," Village President Patsy Smith said. "We want to make sure we're doing what we can to facilitate that, and this is the first opportunity we've really had to start the conversation."

At one point, there were more than 200 businesses in Campton Hills, but Smith said that figure doesn't reflect any potential changes as a result of recent economic conditions. Many are located in the 20-square-mile village's downtown area, known as Wasco, while others are home-based.

Smith said representatives of about 18 businesses showed up for a meeting last week on the subject of starting an economic association that would operate independent of the village, such as a Chamber of Commerce or a Kiwanis or Rotary Club. They also discussed creating a municipal-run economic development committee that would work closely with the village plan commission.

Should either idea be pursued, Smith said the organizations would need volunteers.

"I suspect we'll be doing both," she said. "We seem to have enough interest."

Smith said such talks haven't taken place before because officials were focused on defeating efforts to dissolve the village and related controversies following its incorporation as a municipality in May 2007.

The village takes in roughly $16,500 a month in sales tax, but it's difficult to say whether proceeds have declined much as a result of the local economy like they have in other nearby communities, Smith said.

Several parts of the village, as originally incorporated, have detached from Campton Hills, resulting in fluctuating revenue. Also, Smith said, several disconnection requests are pending in court, making it difficult to project beyond the immediate future.

The discussion on the local economy continues with a public meeting luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at Old Town Pub & Eatery, 40W290 La Fox Road. To reserve a seat, call village hall at (630) 584-5700.