November 17, 2014 – Ed Bierschenk The City Council Monday took final action on an 18-year bond issue that could provide the city with some $30 million to pay off debt and possibly provide some surplus revenue next year. The bond issue will be paid off from money brought in from increased water rates charged to Chicago Heights under the …
Hammond lures Illinois manufacturer
October 11, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw An Illinois manufacturer is relocating to Hammond. The City Council recently passed an ordinance approving a property tax abatement for American Stair, a Romeoville-based company that designs and fabricates steel stairs and railings. American Stair is receiving $1.725 million from both the Regional Development Authority and the Economic Development for Growing Economy. The company …
City passes new water rate class and collection of stormwater fees
September 28, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The City Council has adopted two water-related ordinances. The council voted 9-0 recently on an addition of a new class of water rate for commercial properties in the city. Because there is only a residential and industrial water rate class, commercial properties were paying the same $1.55 per thousand gallons as residents. Beginning Wednesday, …
Council approves tax levy reduction to fund county dispatch network
August 25, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The City Council on Monday passed a resolution reducing its tax levy in the amount of $1,158,871, which will be transferred to Lake County to help fund the consolidated county emergency dispatch center. Hammond, which has already entered into the county E-911 agreement, previously used a portion of its tax levy to fund salaries …
Hammond raises towing fees
August 11, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw More revenue is headed Hammond’s way after the City Council on Monday passed an ordinance raising city towing fees. All police-ordered tow fees have gone up and will go into effect on Jan. 1. A regular tow/flat bed tow will cost $180, an increase of $55. Service calls will rise from $75 to $100. …
Hammond considers raising towing fee
July 28, 2014 8:39 pm – Rob Earnshaw The city may increase its towing fees. An ordinance was introduced at Monday’s City Council meeting that would raise the standard towing fee from $125 to $180. Hammond currently has four towing companies operating without a contract. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said those companies would continue to receive the $125 fee while …
Council approves refinancing sanitary district bonds
June 23, 2014 8:55 pm – Rob Earnshaw The City Council on Monday approved an ordinance refinancing four sanitary district bonds with an outstanding debt of $11.9 million. Marty Wielgos, sanitary district manager, said the bonds were taken out in 1997 and there is an opportunity to refinance them at a lower rate. The current rate of the bonds is …
Hammond Council paves way for new hotel
June 11, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The City Council voted Monday to grant a 10-year tax abatement for the construction of a new Hampton Inn at 2842 Carlson Drive near Kennedy Avenue. A $12.5 million project, the new 120-room hotel will employ about 20 to 25 people, said Phil Taillon, executive director of Hammond Planning and Development. “We think it’s …