Budget + Tax

Lake County village rejects sales tax referendum

A proposed 1 percent sales tax would have increased the village of Barrington’s sales tax burden to among the highest in the nation.

By Janelle Cammenga

Jackie Reed

“I’ve seen a mass exodus. I’ve been a realtor for 24 years, on average selling 40 to 50 homes a year. I usually had my sellers call me because they wanted to move to a new house [in Illinois]. Now, instead, they call and say, ‘We’re done, the taxes are too high. Too much corruption.’...

William Gee

“My parents saw a future in this town. “For 40 years, we paid our dues in taxes, property taxes. We’ve created value. Everybody’s brother and sister has worked for us locally. For most of them, it’s their first job. “Good times, hard times, we went through it all. We actually helped the village. My parents...

Taxpayer tab totals $98M to keep southwestern Illinois airport open

Local leaders say more passengers will reduce the need for taxpayer money at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. But as traffic rises, so too has the tab for St. Clair County taxpayers.

By Brad Weisenstein

Sinkhole city: Financial watchdog again gives Chicago an ‘F’ in finances

An annual analysis of Chicago’s finances finds the city’s debt burden continues to weigh heavily on the shoulders of taxpayers.

By Vincent Caruso

Highest paid superintendent in Illinois history fired for ‘pay padding’

Following an investigation into allegations of “pay padding,” among other offenses, Calumet school district board members dismissed Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent less than a week before retirement.

By Vincent Caruso

Voters near Springfield face new property tax to pay for pensions

Voters in the village of Jerome, on Springfield’s southwest edge, will decide whether to adopt an additional property tax to pay for public pension contributions.

By Vincent Caruso

Park Ridge voters to decide on $350 property tax hike for median homeowner

Voters in Maine Township High School District 207 will consider Nov. 6 whether to approve a $195 million bond referendum to update its three high schools in northern Cook County.

Collinsville area voters to decide whether to eliminate park district

Voters residing in the Collinsville area will consider Nov. 6 whether the Collinsville Area Recreation District should be dissolved.

Village of Rosemont spent more than $64 million on entertainment in 3-year span

Despite its residents dealing with a high county and state tax burden, the village of Rosemont has spent millions on frivolous entertainment costs in recent years. Taxpayers shelled out $65,000 for pizza joint.

Township consolidation referendum to appear on Alton ballots

Alton voters will face two referendums that could eliminate government layers at both the township and county levels.

By Vincent Caruso

Godfrey voters to choose whether to dissolve township on their November ballots

A referendum asking voters whether to dissolve Godfrey Township will appear on ballots Nov. 6.

By Vincent Caruso

Moline proposes hiking city’s already-high property taxes

City officials suggest Moline will face a budget deficit without a property tax hike – which would only worsen the property tax plight of area homeowners.

Lake County ballot question lets voters sound off on statewide property tax proposal

An idea to fix Illinois’ fiscal woes with a statewide property tax made headlines in May. Voters in Lake County will be asked whether state lawmakers should have the power to impose such a tax.

By Vincent Caruso