SKOKIE
Trustees institute 5% utility tax
Skokie trustees this week approved a 5 percent tax on electricity, natural gas and water.
The electricity tax depends on the consumption of kilowatt-hours, and based on sample residential bills, the typical homeowner will see an increase of 4.8 percent. Water consumers will see an impact of 5 percent, and most residential gas customers will be subject to a 5 percent gross receipts tax.
“Hopefully, as the sales tax comes back, we can reduce the percentage,” said Mayor George Van Dusen.
Village Manager Albert Rigoni told trustees that the downturn in the economy has led to a shift in revenue to a projected $45.1 million for fiscal year 2010, from just under $50 million in 2007 and a drop in reserves. In order to avoid cuts in services and an increase in property taxes, Rigoni recommended the utility tax that is expected to bring $5.5 million to $5.8 million in annual revenue to the village.
The utility tax is common among nearby communities such as like Glenview, Northbrook, Morton Grove and Highland Park.
— Tracy Gruen
PALATINE
Alzheimer’s center receives approval
The Palatine Village Council this week approved a three-story, 105-bed care facility exclusively for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at 896 N. Quentin Road.
“It will be secure,” said the developer’s attorney, Michael Samuels. “There is no chance of the residents’ wandering off unobserved. They will be monitored. We provide them with three meals per day. The setting is very much like a hotel. There are constant activities planned for them.”
A door alarm system will guard against residents who pose a “wandering risk,” Samuels said.
Since none of the patients drive, fewer parking spots are needed for the facility, officials said. The facility is slated to employ 82 full-time workers.
— Jeff Borgardt
WILMETTE
Family is allowed skateboard ramp
Despite staunch objections from many residents, Wilmette officials have voted unanimously to allow a skateboarding half-pipe to be installed in a family’s yard.
Initially, the Zoning Board recommended denying the Jerutis family’s request. But the Village Board agreed to work with the family while imposing conditions that would reduce the noise impact on neighbors and limit the skate ramp’s use to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 9 a.m. to sunset.
Opponents of the project came out in force at a recent meeting at which the vote was taken. In addition to concerns about noise, many detractors noted that a public skateboard park is nearby. Several residents also said they thought approval would be a bad precedent, while others said it could bring down property values.
— Anna Tarkov
ELGIN DISTRICT U-46
U-46 performs yearly staff trims
Elgin Area School District U-46 board members Monday approved resolutions reducing staff by 134 positions under the yearly reduction-in-force measure.
Such reductions are taken annually and are not budget-related. Depending on next year’s enrollment and grants, some staff members could return, officials said.
On March 15, the school board is expected to approve the dismissal of additional positions tied to the budget, spokesman Tony Sanders said.
The district has scheduled six public forums Feb. 9-18 at various high schools to receive public input regarding possible budget reductions for next year. The first is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Streamwood High School auditorium, 701 W. Schaumburg Road. For a complete schedule, go to u-46.org.
— Amanda Marrazzo
