Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times: The path to Forrest Claypool’s downfall
The beginning of the end for Forrest Claypool came nearly two years ago.
It was just months after Mayor Rahm Emanuel had chosen his longtime friend and top aide to replace Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who left in a bribery scandal that sent her to prison.
Northwest Herald: McHenry County Board to vote on referendum encouraging 10 percent cut to school property tax levies
The McHenry County Board will vote Tuesday on an advisory referendum asking school districts to cut their property tax levies by at least 10 percent.
The vote will follow on the heels of the County Board’s approval of a fiscal 2018 budget that included an 11.2 percent reduction of the property tax levy.
Northwest Herald: Rep. David McSweeney calls for abolishment of Algonquin Township
Whether they know it or not, elected officials have made a strong case for abolishing townships.
Unruly in-house lawsuits, astronomical legal fees and numerous corruption allegations at the highway department have led state Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, to put abolishing Algonquin Township at the top of his legislative priorities.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake's property tax rate to fall, but homeowners still could pay more
The city’s property tax rate is expected to decrease 1.28 percent on next year’s tax bill, but projected increases to the equalized assessed value in the area could require homeowners to pay more than the previous year.
It all depends on property assessments.
Northwest Herald: Woodstock School District 200 Board to vote on tax levy
Woodstock homeowners could see tax savings this year.
The Woodstock School District 200 Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday to determine its annual tax levy. Officials determined in November to levy for $56.7 million, about a $1 million reduction from last year’s levy, according to a news release from the district.
State Journal-Register: Langfelder seeks solutions for Springfield budget woes
For the next three months, Springfield officials will dive into crafting the next municipal budget, knowing that revenue is shrinking while the city faces a possible $11.5 million deficit.
That means a combination of cuts and tax increases will be put on the table for discussion, according to Mayor Jim Langfelder.
The Southern: HUD claims former ACHA director falsified compliance with lead safety rules
In a civil complaint filed late last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development claimed, among other things, that ex-Alexander County Housing Authority directors James Wilson and Martha Franklin failed to follow the federal housing agency’s lead safety regulations, and that Wilson falsified compliance.
In essence, HUD is alleging that Wilson and Franklin, by neglecting their obligations, potentially exposed vulnerable young children residing at public housing complexes in Cairo known as Elmwood and McBride over the course of more than a decade to the life-altering effects of lead poisoning.
The Southern: Herrin drops amount of tax increase from 15 percent to 4.85 percent
Herrin City Council will vote on the city’s annual tax levy during its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, and the levy will include an increase.
While property taxes are increasing, there is good news for those who own property in Herrin, according to Herrin Mayor Steve Frattini.