Story posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Council Approves Program To Pay For 75% Of Drainage Improvements
Dozens of Des Plaines homeowners who have asked the city for help to eliminate flooding on their property will receive assistance as long as they are willing to pay for 25% of the cost, city council members decided Monday night.
Aldermen approved a program that will have the effect of helping to accelerate the rear yard drainage program in order to accommodate as many as 104 current requests for financial assistance.
In the past, the city's drainage program funded the installation of underground pipes in rear yards where flooding frequently occurs.
The work was done on a first-come, first-served basis as long as money was available. The program began in 2003 and so far $2.1 million has been spent. In the city's new 2010 budget, aldermen allocated another $300,000 annually for the program for each of thee next four years.
At Monday night's city council meeting, the issue was whether the city should require homeowners whose properties are improved to pay for some of the cost.
It was decided that property owners should pay 25% and the city 75%. In doing so, more public money will be available to finance future pipe installations.
Aldermen were also told that individual flood relief projects will be chosen on an as needed basis by reviewing the damage done to private property.
Those homeowners who want the work done will either have to pay the city on a one-time basis or agree to be a part of a Special Service Area where work will be paid for through property tax bills. Tim Oakley, the city's director of engineering and public works, said the 65 homeowners who are currently signed up for the typical pipe installation program that costs about $20,000 will remain in the first-come, first-served order that was in place when they enrolled.
Ald. Jean Higgason (4th) was the lone council member who voted against the cost-sharing plan. She said that some homeowners, who cannot afford the program will still be forced to pay if a majority of surrounding neighbors elect to participate.
That, she said, is not fair.
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