Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: How Preckwinkle's pop tax backfired
When Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle first floated the idea of a pop tax to commissioners last October, a big part of her pitch was an appeal to their sense of self-preservation.
“We said to people, ‘We’re going to take one tough vote in the next three years, that’s it. Then we’re done,'” said Preckwinkle, making a reference to the financial stability the new money would bring. “And needless to say, that’s very attractive when you have to run for election.”
Bloomington Pantagraph: Council to vote on immediate or phased-in sewer rate hikes
Although a majority of the Bloomington City Council apparently agreed last week that sewer rates should be increased sooner than later, both options will be up for a vote on Monday night.
“We’re just going to leave both rate increase options out there — increasing the rates over five years or an immediate rise,” said Public Works Director Jim Karch.
Bloomington Pantagraph: City street resurfacing almost $4 million this construction season
While the condition of Bloomington streets is a chief gripe of residents, the city’s Public Works Department is trying to make a dent in the backlog of work.
The city will spend $3.8 million to resurface 18 streets and six alleys and about another $1 million for sidewalk improvements by the end of the current construction season.
Belleville News-Democrat: Another township may die, but tax savings could be much greater
The logic of less seems to be catching on in Madison County, but it is happening where taxpayers have the least to gain.
Three townships share exact borders with municipalities in Madison County: Godfrey Township, Alton Township and Granite City Township. Of the three, only Godfrey Township is being considered for consolidation.