Taxpayers across the state may be paying additional taxes and not truly understand where those funds are being directed. Special service areas add an additional layer of government for the purpose of sidewalk maintenance, landscaping, security, snow removal, decorative trash receptacles and local business advertising. In other words, special service areas furnish these services in addition to those the city already provides.
House Bill 4832, filed Feb. 14, 2018 by state Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, would require taxpayers to sign a petition in order to create or change a special service area.
Individuals or business owners would have to receive a mailed notice of a potential special service area public hearing. More importantly, those affected by this taxing body would have to sign a petition noting support for the creation of the special service area.
No special service area could be created without a petition signed by at least 51 percent of the taxpayers of record of all properties within the proposed area. This petition would then have to be filed with the clerk within 60 days from the completion of the public hearing.
Sign the petition today to tell your lawmaker to support giving taxpayers a voice on the creation of special service areas.