An increase in Evanston’s “mansion tax” will tighten the city’s squeeze on property owners making their way out the door.

Voters just north of Cook County scrap an unnecessary layer of local government and its six-figure commissioner.

Voters said they don’t need a township on top of Springfield city government, but unless Sangamon County leaders act there will be no tax savings.

Alton Township was on the chopping block Nov. 6. While neighboring communities consolidated unnecessary layers of government, Alton residents will keep their township.

Voters decided Sangamon County school building improvements were worth boosting Springfield’s sales tax to among the highest in the nation. The 1 percent sales tax hike will take the total to 10.75 percent at some stores.

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

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.