DEFERIET — After a 15-year hiatus, a former village mayor and trustee returned to the village Board of Trustees.
At the start of the April 5 meeting, John M. Pais was sworn into office to fill the trustee position left vacant by the death of Jo Ann L. Zando in February. Mr. Pais served as mayor for 18 years, leaving office in 2002. He received the write-in mayoral nod in 2012 defeating incumbent Robert J. Foster but declined the seat and Janet M. Zando was appointed. Mr. Pais had also served as trustee for six years.
“Two residents had approached me to recommend John be appointed,” said Mayor Zando. “His expertise will be very beneficial.”
“There are different challenges now,” said Mr. Pais, noting he plans to run for election in November when his appointment will end.
Following the public hearing April 5, at which no one from the public spoke, the Village Board passed the tentative $2.5 million budget for the June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018 fiscal year.
The tax levy for the 2018 budget is $230,059, down slightly from last year’s $235,217 raised by taxes. According to Village Treasurer James E. Yuhas, since the tax base is down, the tax rate would remain at $9 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Because there is no increase in the tax rate, the village Board of Trustees did not pass a tax cap override resolution.
After passing the budget, the board ratified the water rate keeping it the same as last year’s at $110 per quarter for the first 6,000 gallons with $3 per 1,000-gallon charge for overage.
The sewer rate was raised $10 per quarter as recommended by the treasurer to pay for a $840,000 sewer plant upgrade which is scheduled to start this fall.
The board discussed summer employment for the youth recreation program and Department of Public Works. It was suggested the recreation program be held only three days due to decreased attendance and the director help with DPW duties, such as mowing on the other two days eliminating the need to hire a laborer. There would also be an assistant hired for the youth program at minimal wage for three days per week.
In other business, the board:
■ Approved the purchase at state bid price of a computer for the sewer plant.
■ Approved the upgrade of a stainless steel sander for the new plow at a cost of $6,700 plus the trade-in.
■ Was informed that DPW laborer Anthony Soluri passed his CDL licensing.
■ Appointed Anna Peck as alternate member for the River Area Council of Governments, filling the position left vacant by the death of trustee Jo Ann L. Zando.