Board agrees to reimburse DDA $1,160 after paid-parking enforcement ends

The Village of Romeo Board of Trustees voted May 19 to reimburse the Downtown Development Authority $1,160 after the DDA notified the village it was terminating the paid-parking service agreement.

Clerk Lucero read the DDA’s lawyer letter outlining unreimbursed expenses of $2,100 and a separate two-year $40-per-month cellular service agreement tied to handheld enforcement devices. The DDA reported it held $940 in collected reservation fees and requested the village reimburse the $1,160 net balance and to assist in resolving the cellular contract if needed.

Trustees discussed legal limits on the village assuming contracts to which it is not a party and asked the DDA to provide documentation and a specific action plan. After conversation, Trustee Parker moved to reimburse $1,160; the motion was supported and approved by roll call (Parker yes; Bartholomew yes; Edwards yes; Care yes; Rosa yes; President Berki yes). The board also directed the village attorney to respond in writing that the village is willing to discuss resolution of the cellular contract but needs more information before agreeing to assume any obligations.

Village counsel advised the board it could accept the DDA’s termination of the agreement while limiting liability to the reimbursement voted on that night. Trustees said they were open to working with the DDA to negotiate any early-termination fees once the DDA presented supporting documentation.

The board did not assume the cellular-service contract during the meeting and requested follow-up documentation from the DDA.