CRESTON — Village officials in Creston are looking into instituting a moratorium on fees for new residential building permits.

The discussion follows a similar move that officials in Rochelle approved last month to help promote growth. Trustee Mike Kerns proposed the idea to waive the sewer and water connections fees for a time.

“I thought it was a great idea. It kind of helps get things moving,” Kerns said after hearing about Rochelle’s moratorium. “It is a number crunching game and those costs add up.”

President Wayne Williams agreed it could help to spur new housing development.

“Maybe at the next board meeting we could put it on the table,” Williams added.

Trustees approved the fiscal year 2019 tax levy for $18,323. The increase is less than the five percent allowable without a truth in taxation hearing. 

Other items

Adam Heal with Query Insurance presented the insurance renewal documents for the village. The new premium reflects an even rate compared to last year; trustees approved the annual premium for $14,721. 

Trustees approved a motion to purchase a new lift pump and rebuild an existing one at cost of around $25,000. They will utilize funds from a certificate of deposit on hand that is to be used for this purpose. The village has been operating with only one pump.

The meeting schedule for 2019 was approved with the next scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. Meetings are Feb. 5, March 5, April 3 (due to Election Day), May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.