$11.2M Bond Issues Approved to Bring New Roads, FD Equipment to La Grange Park

La Grange Park, IL - La Grange Park voters chose to allow the village to issue new bonds for $11.2 million to repair roads and to buy two new emergency vehicles, according to unofficial results.

The questions appeared separately on March 15 ballots, with one asking if the village should issue bonds for $10 million for road improvements and the other asking for $1.2 million bond issues to pay for a new ladder truck and a new ambulance for the fire department.

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The road repair bond question
Unofficial tallies with all precincts reporting, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office:

• Yes - 76.98 percent
• No - 23.02 percent

The emergency equipment question
Unofficial tallies with all precincts reporting, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office:

• Yes - 73.17 percent
• No - 26.83 percent

In La Grange Park, there were 9,109 registered voters and 5,075 ballots cast in this election.

The bonds are expected to be financed over 10 years with an estimated impact on homeowners of $109 each year on a home with a property value of $100,000, according to the village.

Village officials estimated the road improvement program will finish resurfacing nine out of 35 miles of roads in the village — 26 percent — within six years or fewer.

The road repair question on March 15 ballots used the following wording.

Shall the Village of La Grange Park, Cook County, Illinois, undertake road improvements in and for the Village, including street resurfacing and sidewalk repair, all on property owned by the Village or over which the Village has sufficient easements, and issue its general obligation bonds to the amount of $10,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof, said bonds bearing interest at not to exceed the rate of 6.00% per annum?

The La Grange Park Fire Department uses its current 25-year-old ladder truck to access the upper floors and roofs of buildings and to carry tools, ground ladders and support equipment at fires, car extrications and other emergencies, according to the village. The National Fire Protection Association says fire equipment more than 25 years old should be removed from service and replaced.

The village's ambulance is 16 years old and has required several thousand dollars in repairs, according to the village.

The emergency equipment question on March 15 ballot used the following wording.

Shall the Village of La Grange Park, Cook County, Illinois, purchase fire safety vehicles and equipment for the public welfare and safety of the Village, and issue its general obligation bonds to the amount of $1,200,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof, said bonds bearing interest at not to exceed the rate of 6.00% per annum?

Find more information about the 2016 bond referenda from the Village of La Grange Park. Questions may also be directed to Village Hall at 708-354-0225.