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Residents press council over PILOTs and Theta Grove hookup fees; council requests investigation
Summary
Multiple residents pressed the council about PILOT programs and alleged unpaid hookup/connection fees for the Theta Grove/Theta Drive development. Council Member Carl Contino called for an internal investigation and a written report; Council President Higgins defended PILOTs as a mechanism for tax revenue while saying a 99‑unit proposal remains unapproved.
Several residents used the Feb. 9 public‑comment periods to press the Vernon Township Council for answers about PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) contracts and the Theta Grove development’s alleged unpaid connection fees. Commenters included Doreen Edwards, Peg Distasi, Kirk Stephens, Jackie Bravich, Steve Dunlop, Raven Slockbower and others.
Speakers repeatedly requested council responses and documentation about existing PILOT petitions and contracts. In council comments after public comment, Council Member Carl Contino said he had reviewed emails and documents and believed something was not handled correctly related to Theta Grove hookup fees; he asked the mayor to conduct an internal investigation and provide documentation and a report to the council. Contino asked specifically for clarity about a hardship application and invoice timing referenced in internal correspondence.
Council President William Higgins responded by distinguishing the 99‑unit proposal (which he said had not been approved) from a separate 26‑unit project tied to a PILOT that will generate tax revenue, and defended the council’s use of PILOTs as a revenue strategy for a large upcoming budget. No PILOT contract vote occurred during the Feb. 9 meeting; council members recorded differing levels of public trust and concern in the discussion.
Next steps: Contino requested an internal investigation and documentation; the minutes record that direction but do not supply the investigative report or a timeline for the expected mayoral response.
