BELLAIRE RESIDENTS may not like some of the proposals village council has been considering, but we commend the governmental body for looking at ways to improve the All-American Town.

Last month, it was put forth by one councilman that residents be charged some $3 a month to help fund street lighting. Such a fee would alleviate pressure on already stressed Bellaire coffers and enable monies to be channeled to help with other village operations, especially the police department.

The plug was quickly pulled from the street light plan. We viewed the proposal as a frivolous one, but as mentioned previously, it is healthy to suggest creative options.

At this past Thursday’s council session, another councilman unveiled a plan to pump some $140,000 into the village budget. The councilman is seeking to impose a $6 monthly charge to residents — that being assessed fairly to all village units.

Under that scenario, a $72 yearly charge would be turned into $140,000 for village projects. We see that as a great return on investment.

A sizable amount of the money ($70,000) would go to pay the fire department fee. That still leaves another $70,000 which could do wonders in a town the size of Bellaire.

The police department would be an obvious beneficiary of the windfall, as it is in dire financial and manpower straits. We believe enough money would still remain to aid several worthy causes.

Bellaire has been hit hard by the exodus of business and industry, not to mention thousands of residents. It is a village which needs to be jump-started.

We do not believe $6 a month is too steep a price to attempt to spark a renaissance in a proud but struggling community.