Members to discuss truth in taxation act on Dec. 7

Approval of a resolution to relocate was necessary in order for Southern Illinois Regional Social Services, a mental health organization, to “move forward,” said Mayor Brad Cole about a recommendation that was supported unanimously by the City Council Tuesday.

The City Council set a date to discuss the Truth in Taxation Act and unanimously passed a resolution allowing a Special Use Permit during its Tuesday meeting.

The approval of a Special Permit Use would allow the Southern Illinois Regional Social Services program to buy property from the current owner of the 1923 subdivision of the former Carbondale Community High School located on Springer Street. The Foundation and Family Enrichment Foundation currently owns the building, which SIRSS hopes to purchase and use for office purposes.

Although most present recognized the importance of SIRSS in the community, there was some discussion from neighbors concerned with the clientele who would utilize the offices for counseling. As a means of addressing these concerns, City Councilwoman Sheila Simon asked, before hearing comments, that a sixth condition be added to the approval of the resolution.

“SIRSS will not hold treatment for registered sex offenders on site,” said Simon, who is also a resident of the neighborhood near the former high school location.

Tom Redmond, development services director for the city, said he received 102 letters from individuals concerned with the possible relocation of SIRSS.

Despite comments from two residents who spoke in opposition, it was illustrated by a unanimous vote and further comments from Cole that SIRSS is an important part of the community and not an organization the community could afford to lose.

“It’s easy for us to say we’re not opposed to what they do but we just do not want them as neighbors,” Cole said. “Just as Miss Simon pointed out, the people who receive help from SIRSS are members of our community. These are things we have to deal with. This may not be the best location but SIRSS has been searching and searching and searching and something has to happen.”

He emphasized that the organization has been on a consistent search for a new location and needed a new location in order to improve their operations.

Before being approval, Executive Director Karen Freitag said even if the organization received clearance, they would still need more funding to even afford the move. She said although they had some prospects, this process would take at least a few months.

Another parking lot would also have to be built in order to accommodate the number of employees operating from the building, something programs including Operation Rebound said would be willing to work with SIRSS on.

The Truth in Taxation Act was another matter open for discussion during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. According to Cole, the Carbondale Public library has seen consistent financial losses for the past several years; a situation he said could be remedied by increasing the tax levy of the library. Cole said that, if the Library Board of Trustees were to make this change, it would result in an $85,000 saving for the city.

City Manager Jeff Doherty said that increasing the tax levy would translate into an additional $20 tax for those who own a $75,000 home and a $35 tax for those owning a home that costs more than $120,000.

Cole said the tax levy would result in as much as a $20,000 surplus and would also “allow additional funds to become available” for the library, which has relied heavily on city support. An open meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at city hall to discuss the matter further.