Mayor raises alarm over $73,000‑a‑year contract and closed police station

The mayor reported a recently received five‑year contract tied to a prior department and Cook County that lists an initial annual charge of $73,000 with $3,000 annual increases, and said she would consult the village attorney about rescinding or renegotiating it. The mayor told the board the village "don't have money like that," and that the finance official estimated the contract would total roughly $83,000 by the end of the five‑year term.

Why it matters: Trustees must decide whether to accept the contract, renegotiate terms, or reject it; the mayor said she was told in a prior meeting the village would not be charged and that the listed amount was unexpected and unaffordable. The board did not vote on the contract at this meeting and the mayor said she will follow the attorney's guidance on next steps.

The mayor also reported the village police station had a notice on the door indicating it was closed because of a leaking roof and said she had not been notified by the commander. "They got a letter on the door saying closed," she said, urging improved communication with the county sheriff and the fire department. Mayor said a grant will cover roof replacement work and that roof repairs and other building maintenance remain priorities.

Context and next steps: Attorney Niko said he will follow up on outstanding files and legal issues next week and will report back to the board at the next meeting. The mayor asked residents for patience while the board addresses adjudication, code enforcement and other service gaps tied to staffing and county agreements.