The Homewood village board approved a 3.59 percent increase in the real estate tax levy over the previous year at its Dec. 11 meeting.
Patrick McAneny takes the oath of office Dec. 12 after being hired as Homewood’s assistant public works director. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
Homewood will levy $6,448,178 in taxes. That number was $6,324,211 a year ago.
Only about $2.5 million of that will go into the village’s general fund, which pays for all government operations.
A little over $3.3 million will go into the village’s pension fund and $606,373 will pay for debt service.
In other business, trustees welcomed Patrick McAneney as the new assistant director of public works. He comes to the village after serving as public works director in Glenwood.
A native of Homewood, McAneney worked at Homewood’s public works department from 1989 to 2001. He went on to work for two engineering firms before taking the job in Glenwood.
McAneney suceeds Dave Ebert who came to public works as a mechanic in 1980. He served as assistant director from 2004 until his retirement in September.
Darlene Leonard was hired to replace the retired Jan Kasper as an administrative secretary in the building department. She previously had an administrative position with the village of Hazel Crest.
The board also approved an amendment to the Class 8 tax incentive for Fleet Park, LLC, owners of Eagle Express Lines at 955 W. 175th St.
The terms of the incentive required the property to be vacant for 24 months. The owners recently discovered that the property was only vacant for 23 months, so the agreement was amended to reflect special circumstances.
The village renewed its contract with lobbying firm Alfred G. Ronan, Ltd. for $3,000 for one year. The firm represents Homewood’s interests in state government.
A purchase of a new hooklift system for public works was also approved for $99,865. It required a budget amendment of $14,865 to cover the cost, which was originally budgeted for $85,000.
The system allows public works staff to roll on and off truck bodies and containers for various applications. Public works vehicles can be fitted with different bodies for different tasks, like tree trimming or filling potholes.
The South Gate Mini Mart at 18747 Dixie Highway was awarded a liquor license to sell beer and wine. Asian Harbor, at 1930 Ridge Road, was also awarded a liquor license. The restaurant is under new ownership and expected to undergo interior renovations.
