Resident urges Riverside board to waive penalty fees for first-time vehicle-sticker purchasers

Pedro Rodriguez, a Riverside resident, told the Village Board on June 18 that he was surprised to be charged penalty fees after responding to a mailed notice that asked him to buy vehicle stickers by June 15.

Rodriguez said the mailed letter did not mention penalty fees and that, when he called the number on the notice, he was told first‑time purchasers must buy stickers in person. He said he went to Village Hall prepared to pay the price listed in the letter but was told the total would be about $300 for two cars — including a $60 penalty per car. Rodriguez said the staff member who helped him mentioned penalty fees and he left his contact information to try to resolve the issue with the finance director.

Rodriguez told trustees he later received a phone call from the finance director who told him the village does not waive fees and that penalties were imposed because of complaints from neighbors who had purchased stickers while others had not. He said that explanation left him unable to see how residents were reasonably expected to learn of the June 15 deadline and that the result would be multiple payments in a short period for first‑time buyers.

‘‘Is every resident supposed to know every village ordinance otherwise be penalized monetarily?’’ Rodriguez asked, and requested that the board reconsider and remove the fees immediately. He said he will continue to pursue the matter and plans to return to the board if necessary.

President Pollock responded immediately after the public commenter finished, saying this is an administrative matter and staff will respond as appropriate.

What happens next: Board members did not vote on policy changes at the meeting; staff committed to following up with Rodriguez. The board packet and public comments indicate Rodriguez also has filed a public‑records request for prior fee waivers; trustees said staff will review and respond.