Tax Increase For Darien Project?

DARIEN, IL — The Darien City Council is discussing the possibility of a new public works complex that could cost an estimated $15 million, with officials saying it would mean a tax increase. At this week's meeting, the mayor said the city should be cautious because of the project's cost. And the city administrator said such discussions are premature.

"We need to sell our residents on what we do before we go jumping on a bandwagon," Mayor Joseph Marchese told the council. "You need to take a look at the whole picture, which you will when we begin the budget process. I caution you because there is no horn of plenty out there."

Ward 3 Alderman Joseph Kenny said the city needed to be careful about the message that it sends to residents, noting the city's $366,000 loan to Carriage Greens Country Club and $150,000 incentive to a retail developer for upgraded architecture.

"We're sending a skewed message to our citizens," the alderman said. "We vote one way one week and say another thing the next week."

The mayor responded, "There's a big difference between $15 million and $366,000."

City Treasurer Michael Coren said the council would need "the guts" to go to residents to ask for the money. Marchese agreed, saying the council would have to present the costs to taxpayers. "It's not going to come for free," he said.

Ward 5 Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said the council must educate itself on the options for a public works building.

"From what I understand, there are dire needs," she said. "We should look at our options before leveling the place and building a new building. When you kick the can down the road too long, you are faced with pretty dire straits, then you have no choice. What can be done now?"

The mayor said the council would have a more in-depth discussion about the public works complex in the months leading to the new budget year, which starts May 1. The city would not have to go to a referendum for a tax increase because it is a home-rule town.

In an interview Thursday, City Administrator Bryon Vana said the discussion about a public works facility is premature. The need for it has not been proven, he said.

"We have the best public works staff of anywhere around," Vana said. "The building discussion has nothing to do with their abilities."