The village of Arlington Heights plans to ask property taxpayers for more than $52 million in the 2021 tax levy, but it’s an amount that represents no increase in the village’s portion of the assessment.
On a vote of 7-0 at the Nov. 15 Village Board meeting, village trustees authorized staff to prepare a tax levy ordinance, which also includes Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s 2021 tax levy, reflecting an estimated combined amount of $52,347,010.
“We’re able to be very fiscally prudent and responsible with our taxpayer dollars,” Mayor Tom Hayes said during the meeting.
Before a final board vote is taken on the levy, a final public is scheduled to be held Dec. 6. The 2021 taxes would be collected next year.
Trustees will also be expected to vote next month on the proposed $192 million fiscal year 2022 village budget.
The budget, which would be effective at the start of the new year, includes a 4.6% spending decrease, or $9.2 million, versus the current fiscal year. The decrease impacts the village’s operating, capital and other funds, according to budget documents.
The village’s fiscal year runs Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
Village officials report the 0% tax levy increase is a result of taxes generated from recreational cannabis sales in the village. The marijuana sales helped Arlington Heights to see a 12% increase in sales tax receipts, according to village financial documents. Also, income tax revenue increased by 27% in the current fiscal year.
In addition to the additional sales tax cash, officials explained that the village also reduced some costs – including eliminating an in-house attorney and decreasing the annual assessment to the village’s Northwest Central Dispatch system.
“This budget will allow us to conduct all of the activities the village is expected to do for its residents and to meet all of the strategic priorities of the board, as identified by the board in a planning session last summer,” Village Manager Randy Recklaus said at the meeting.
Recklaus presented the budget Nov. 8 to village trustees as they met as the Committee-of-the-Whole, and he highlighted some key village initiatives for 2022. These include investing in the village’s capital improvement plan and core services, updating a 25-year-old software system, continuing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and working with all parties involved with the sale of Arlington International Racecourse and redevelopment of the site.
Recklaus explained Nov. 8 that food and beverage taxes in the village are up 13%, along with the increases in sales and income taxes. However, interest on investments, he said, is down 57%. The village was also set to receive $6.78 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, money that is distributed in 2021 and 2022.
The village is planning to make investments in infrastructure in 2022. According to Recklaus, $4.1 million has been allocated to the water main replacement program,$11.5 million is budgeted for the street rehabilitation and replacement program and an additional $3.7 million will go toward the ongoing storm water control program.
Other notables in the village manager’s presentation include an allocation of $300,000 annually over a five-year contract for new, body worn camera/dash cam system for police officers as well as the fact that 30% of village employees are currently eligible to retire in 2022.
Recklaus said the fiscal year 2022 village budget can be viewed online, and questions about the spending plan may be emailed to budget@vah.com.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.
