Lyons boosts motel tax
Extra $25,000 to $30,000 is expected annually
By Steve Metsch
The village of Lyons expects to make an extra $25,000 to $30,000 each year with a new hotel/motel tax, Financial Director Dan Denys said.
The village board at its July 7 meeting unanimously approved increasing the hotel/motel tax from 3.5 percent to 5 percent.
“This is a modest increase that is needed at this time,” Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty said.
“We have not adjusted the hotel/motel tax at all, to my memory, in a minimum of 15 years,” Getty said.
Funds from the tax “are used for special events that help draw people to our community,” Getty said.
The board also increased the base penalty from $25 to $250 if a hotel or motel is found in violation, Getty said.
Lyons expects an extra $25,000 to $30,000 each year after increasing the hotel/motel tax.
In other business, the board unanimously approved establishing a caterer’s liquor license classification.
“We had a local business in the village, Black Dog, which is located at 4226 Lawndale Avenue, inquire about a caterer’s license to conduct catering events and offer alcohol with their services,” Getty said.
Village Attorney Mark Sterk suggested it best to create a caterer’s liquor license that would be offered for the annual cost of $1,200, Getty said.
The board also approved putting a building owned by the village on the market.
The village several years acquired a building at 7901 Ogden Avenue where Ricky D’s, a longtime tavern has been located for more than 30 years.
The building was acquired “through deficiencies and problems at the location there,” Getty said.
“That being said, we’ve made some much-needed improvements to the structure and the property, and we’re looking to release our ownership,” Getty said.
A public sealed bid process will be used with bids accepted at the village hall until 5 p.m. Aug. 3.
Bids should be addressed to Village Manager Tom Sheahan, Village of Lyons, 4200 Lawndale Ave., Lyons, IL 60534. Bids will be opened at the village hall at 10 a.m. Aug. 4.
The board is expected to approve a bidder for the building at its meeting set for 7 p.m. Aug. 4, Getty said.
Meanwhile, work continues on renovations to the 1-million-gallon water reservoir on Ogden Avenue, Getty said.
The village’s 50/50 sidewalk replacement program was a success.
“That worked out really well,” Getty said. “We did over 100 sidewalk squares. Residents were very happy about that. Very positive.”
The renovation of Joliet Avenue “is going very well,” he said. He expects work to be completed by the end of July.
Soon after Joliet Avenue is done, resurfacing of Prescott Avenue, from White Avenue to 43rd Street, will begin, the mayor said.
Also, a new park on the west end of Lyons should be finished the end of July or early August, the mayor said.
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Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
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