Voters might decide to increase the Village Board’s taxing and regulatory power.
The answer will come March 19 when the 700 registered voters consider home rule for their community.
Home-rule status significantly expands a community’s regulatory and taxing powers. With home rule, a community can take any action not specifically forbidden by the state.
Home rule would help the community of 1,100 better take advantage of development, according to Robert Skurla, executive director of the Chicago Southland Development Corporation. He said last week that East Hazel Crest has shifted taxes to non-residents by creating a commuter train facility parking tax and a storage facility tax.
Monee Village President Larry Kochel has said the home-rule issue coincides with a proposal to develop 528 acres west of Interstate Highway 57 into a commercial complex. Kochel said home rule also would help the village deal with the growth that has accompanied annexations.
Park Forest village manager Janet Muchnik told the Monee board that home rule has enabled Country Club Hills and Park Forest to raise revenue.
But Skurla warned board members that increased powers through home rule mean increased opportunities for abuse.