VIDEO: Homewood Delays Banking Decision

The Homewood Village Board agreed to defer its approval of committee favorite Charter One for banking services for the village during Tuesday night’s board meeting. The decision came as the result of a poor experience Trustee Tom Kataras had with one of the bank’s representatives.

“I’m very disappointed in this bank,” Kataras said. “A local businessman applied for a loan. I called the regional manager … last Thursday and requested some information on behalf of this local businessman. The gentleman said, ‘I’ll get back to you Thursday or Friday.’ I’m still waiting Tuesday night.

“I think four days is more than enough time to return an elected official’s phone call who is on the committee that interviews (the bank proposals),” Kataras added.

“Every situation is different,” said Glen Mazade, a representative of Charter One. “It’s obviously very difficult to talk about any particular situation in general. My assurance to you is that we are going to be involved.”

This response proved insufficient for Trustee Kataras.

“I have no communication, and you have assured us that (you have) local guys that are going to be involved in this,” Kataras said. “You are talking the talk, but your guys aren’t walking the walk. It was very disappointing.”

“I’m a little concerned by the issues that Trustee Kataras brings up,” Trustee Anne Colton said. “I heard about this 20 seconds ago … I can’t say that it’s a concern or not a concern until I have more information.”

Charter One had beaten out nine other Homewood banks in a lengthy application and interview process to qualify as the village’s potential future bank. The issue will be reviewed and revisited at the next Village Board meeting.