Residents should expect to see a slight increase in their garbage and water bills in the coming months.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
HILLCREST — Residents should expect to see a slight increase in their garbage and water bills in the coming months.
In January, garbage rates increase by $1 and will remain at that rate for one year. Starting in February and continuing with March and April, each month $1.35 will be added.
Hillcrest officials should know within six months on a plan for infrastructure improvements within the village.
Trustees approved engineering fees to prepare project plans during their meeting Wednesday evening. The plans would include a cost estimate.
Engineer Carl Fischer with Baxter and Woodman explained the engineering fees are also for loan application assistance from both the IEPA and a water pollution loan program that could include up to 75 percent principal loan forgiveness.
The total cost is $58,000 for engineering fees for the water system improvements and $31,500 for street reconstruction and extending the sanitary sewer. The water system improvements include replacing water mains.
Fischer said the project plans could come as early as March or April. The earliest any project could begin would be in 2021.
Village trustee Jason Fore assured that public hearings will be held on the matter before any decisions would be made. He also discussed handing out flyers and relaying necessary information through social media.
Village building inspector Casper Manheim has been working with officials in Ogle County on a hazard mitigation plan booklet. The next step is to get the approval from FEMA, which should take a couple of weeks, according to Manheim. Having a hazard mitigation plan could help secure grants for necessary emergency backup items such as a generator for village hall.
Adam Heal with Query Insurance discussed the village’s premium for 2019. The premium of $22,679 for coverage reflects a slight decrease from last year’s $23,294 cost.
Village trustees approved a tax levy at a rate of .333. Due to a decrease in the EAV, the tax levy will drop by $60 compared to last year.
Village trustees approved changes in the employee handbook’s wording to reflect paid holidays. The board will discuss vacation day policies at next month’s meeting.
The ordinance officer discussion has been tabled until next month.
Trustee Jeanie Sparacino was absent for the meeting.
