Morton village board trustees Ginger Hermann and Jeff Kaufman came prepared to Monday night’s meeting with a seven-page document loaded with notes and highlighted paragraphs.
The two were adamantly opposed to a proposed business district and sales tax increase that would create an additional $437,000 of revenue, which would be directed toward infrastructure and facade improvements within the village’s commercial regions.
“I want to see a vibrant downtown,” said Hermann. But, she said she fears there is little support from the community, which could result in future referenda (school facility) failures.
“I don’t feel, at this point, (community support) has been accomplished,” she said.
Despite her comments, and additional criticism from Kaufman, the village board voted 4-2 in favor of a 0.25 percent sales tax increase in the newly designated Morton business district. Trustees Betsy Yarcho, Stephen Newhouse and Tony Huette, along with village president Norm Durflinger, voted in favor of the measure. Trustee Darrell Vierling, who spoke out against the sales tax increase and business district, citing bad timing, did not attend the meeting.
Kaufman voiced his disappointment that, due to an oversight, the village was unable to amend the document during Monday night’s meeting.
“I do have some concerns with the document,” Kaufman said. “This document has to be voted on as is. It has to be changed in a public meeting.”
Kaufman cited concerns that the village would have the power of eminent domain.
“I would certainly hope that this board would not commit to kicking people out of their houses,” he said.
Kaufman and Hermann were in agreement, saying they want to see more checks and balances regarding grant applications.
“I want some assurances that we’re not just writing a check,” Kaufman said.
Durflinger said that decision ultimately comes down to current and future board trustee votes. Additionally, he argued the village has had the power of eminent domain for street construction in the past. He added that the village’s power of eminent domain relies solely on the community’s need.
Trustee Newhouse, who maintained his commitment to business protection and retention since the 1980s, said he thinks the village would be diligent in its use of eminent domain.
“I don’t envision the role of eminent domain being applied,” Newhouse said.
“I don’t usually favor taxes,” he said. “But, this is an unusual circumstance.”
Newhouse noted that there are five empty buildings within the downtown business district, along with two empty storefronts.
