Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
In anticipation of a complex first state budget under Governor Bruce Rauner, Libertyville trustees decided to delay several financial decisions in April. Six months later, they remain uncertain about how Springfield will handle the budget, but have finally taken action on some pressing needs.
The village postponed hiring a new deputy fire chief, expanding its salt storage silo, funding a survey of downtown buildings for the historic preservation commission, and reducing the electric utility tax, among other items. These delays were largely due to uncertainty surrounding state-level fiscal changes.
At the time, Rauner proposed a two-year freeze on property taxes and an agreement to let Illinois keep half of the municipal income tax. Finance Director Patricia Wesolowski estimated that the loss of income tax would amount to $1 million annually, with an additional $600,000 in lost property tax increases over two years. However, both proposals failed to gain momentum.
A new challenge has since emerged. As of November 10, Illinois is withholding approximately $660,000 in various taxes. This includes $440,000 in 911 fees, $150,000 in gasoline sales tax, and $70,000 in Libertyville’s share of the “use tax,†which applies to items like cars purchased out of state but used within Illinois.
The state was expected to pass a budget by July 1, but Governor Rauner has refused to sign any unbalanced budget. The ongoing stalemate has led to delayed payments and the suspension of tax transfers to local governments.
In February, Libertyville signed a two-year contract to provide fire services to the unincorporated area of Knollwood, located along Route 176 east of Interstate 94. The village's fire department had eliminated the deputy chief position a few years ago after a retirement. Filling this role would cost around $150,000 in salary and benefits, with the individual handling duties for both Knollwood and Libertyville.
The contract calls for $100,000 in annual payments, meaning Libertyville would cover $50,000. It anticipated 100 emergency calls per year, but between February and early November, the department responded to 102 calls.
Despite ongoing concerns about future revenue flows from Springfield, trustees agreed to fill the position. "Chief Carani is stretched pretty thin, and that’s not healthy for an organization," said Village Trustee Todd Gaines.
Since 2009, Libertyville has built up a reserve fund of $4.2 million through new taxes and sales tax returns—well above the recommended level for rainy-day savings. In April, trustees considered using part of this reserve to pay down construction debt and allocate another portion toward underfunded police and fire pensions, which have been hit hard by recent benefit increases and longer life expectancies.
This decision was also postponed. On November 10, trustees chose to wait, fearing the funds may be needed if Illinois continues to withhold or indefinitely suspend tax transfers.
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