Budget + Tax

Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike

Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike

Seeing rising pension costs, a decline in state assistance, and a new state tax-collection fee, in 2018 the village plans to raise the property tax levy 4.9 percent and make a 1.2 percent cut to the village’s budgeted revenues, in addition to a 1.7 percent spending cut.

By Brendan Bakala

NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president

NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president

The Board of Trustees at Northern Illinois University granted a $600,000 severance package to outgoing university President Doug Baker, who resigned following a state investigation into his management of the university. But after a court struck down that agreement, the board is set to vote again.