Should the Village Charge Non-Profits for Police Presence?

Representatives with the and Partners for Parks opened a discussion with trustees over whether to continue to charge non-profit organizations a fee for police presence at special events, from 5K races to Evviva's anniversary.

At the beginning of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, trustees voted to begin charging this fee to curb the expense of police overtime in the village budget. Fees are determined by the number of on-duty officers and hours worked.

In the last year Benet Academy, District 202, Benedictine University, and various business owners and non-profit groups were subject to these charges.

Former village trustee Kim Brondyke represented Partners for Parks, and Dan Garvy spoke on behalf of the Lisle Park District and Chamber of Commerce, at Monday night's village board meeting to address an increase in rates.

According to Brondyke, the village increased the fee for services at the from $560 in 2009 to $990 in 2010 with no indication to the race committee. A memo prepared by village manager Jerry Sprecher indicated there may have been a failure to communicate the rate increase or confirm the rate prior to the event. According to the memo, the increased rates more accurately reflect the cost of the services.

Brondyke requested a waiver from the village for the fee difference, arguing the event is sponsored by two Lisle organizations, and that funds raised return money to the community. Police fees detract from overall profits. Many of the coordinators for other events, she said, are staffed with paid workers.

Garvy recommended that the trustees re-examine the policy.

The trustees declined any action at this time. Trustee Cathy Cawiezel recognized that the groups, with the exception of the Chamber of Commerce, are volunteer organized and run. Trustee Ed Young said it would be difficult to determine who would be exempt from fees. Eliminating the policy entirely would return the costs to the village, which are around $30,000 each year.

What do you think: Which groups, if any, should receive some form of relief from village fees?