Tax Hike For Darien Building? Most Officials Against

DARIEN, IL – A majority of the Darien City Council leaned against the idea of a tax increase to pay for a bigger public works building.

The majority of aldermen said residents appreciate the work of public works employees. They questioned whether an expanded space would benefit residents.

For years, city officials have pondered improvements to the building. The 1970s structure is near Interstate 55 and Cass Avenue.

At Monday's council meeting, aldermen were given three choices:

• A minimal renovation that could cost up to $2.6 million. Officials said the most pressing need is a $750,000 roof.
• A major expansion and renovation that would cost $8 million. That would mean the average household would pay an extra $100 annually in property taxes and utility fees for 15 years.
• A new site with the room for a much larger building. This would cost $200 extra a year for the average household.

One of the key problems with the current building, some said, is that it cannot house all the public works trucks. But city officials countered that this problem has not hindered operations.

Last month, Alderman Tom Chlystek called the current building a "dump" and contended the city had "kicked the can down the road" for too long.

At this week's meeting, though, City Administrator Bryon Vana took issue with the comments.

Vana, who has been at the helm for two decades, said previous councils had concluded the building was still functional for the city's purposes.

Vana also said public works employees get rave reviews for their work.

"The guys are doing their jobs with a facility from the 1970s," Vana said. "Tom (Chlystek) will refer to the building as a dump or dilapidated. I don't."

Vana said it came down to whether an expanded building was a need or a want.

"I don't consider the building a dump. I don't consider the building dilapidated. It could use some work. It doesn't have everything we ever want, but it's a very functional building," Vana said.

Alderman Eric Gustafson, who wants a new building, suggested Vana move his office into public works.

Vana said he had an office there for a few years.

"I would move there, if that's what you want, Eric," Vana said. "And I would still give the same service to the residents that I do now. It would not diminish."

Gustafson said the city has been "kicking the can down the road dramatically." And Alderman Ted Schauer said short-term fixes for the building are not worth taxpayers' money.

But Alderman Lester Vaughan said he feared burdening taxpayers with a tax increase. He noted possible hikes in local school districts.

"It's about being fiscally responsible," Vaughan said. "Having comfortable working environments is important. It affects morale. A leaky roof could affect the health of employees. Building out over time, it could work."

Chlystek argued the public works building gives a bad impression of Darien at one of its main entrances.

Mayor Joseph Marchese disagreed.

"I don't think the general public cares what the public works facility looks like as long as their streets are plowed, their water mains are fixed and the ditches in their back yards are fixed," the mayor said.

When city officials asked for which option aldermen preferred, Marchese, Vaughan, Mary Sullivan and Thomas Belczak chose minimal renovations.

Gustafson, Chlystek and Schauer wanted a major project.

The council plans to vote on the issue in two weeks.

Darien has not increased its property tax levy for more than a decade.