Committee Considers Levy Increase of 3.5 Percent; Which is Less Than the 4.95 Percent Considered Last Month

The Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee is considering recommending a lower tax levy increase than the discussed last month.

A 3.5 percent increase, favored by half of the four-member committee, would result in a $19.56 per year increase for the owner of a $400,000 home. That amounts to $1.63 more per month, and would generate $309,258 in more revenue for the city.

Committee chairman and 4th Ward Alderman Stephen Hipskind told the committee that the city is the fourth lowest in DuPage County in terms of the cost of city services for residents.

“We are still one of the least expensive towns to live in,” he said.

The committee also noted that, with a report due from the stormwater consultant by the end of the year, the city could be facing expensive infrastructure upgrades in the future.

“If there are expenses today, I want to pay for them today,” Hipskind said.

The committee will meet once more in late November to discuss the levy and then send a a recommendation on to the full City Council.