MARION, Ill. - A public hearing was held a 6 pm last night (Monday, November 28) before the regular city council meeting regarding the new 16.74 percent property tax increase over last year.
Approximately a dozen concerned residents attended.
Marion realtor Jerry Beasley addressed the council with his concerns. He stated with the increase in taxes it was impossible for the city to grow.
"People come here to look at property from Wisconsin and Minnesota and tell me they love the area but they cannot afford the high taxes," Beasley said.
His question to the council was: Are there any other avenues they had looked at instead of raising taxes? With all the new businesses coming in generating sales taxes, Beasley asked, couldn't the projected amount be used instead?
Councilman Anthony Rinella said that money is already spent to pay for the new roads and storm drains that the city has to pay for. The city's operating budget is $40 million.
According to the Mayor the city only receives eight cents on the dollar of the tax money. The bulk of the money goes to fund police and fire pensions and the city obligated to do so and they are mandated by the state. For example if you have a 50,000 dollar home your tax increase will only be 13 dollars.
Concerns were raised by commercial property owners who are not eligible for homestead exemption. One person was overheard saying it would take some time to increase rent, which will no doubt cause the tenant to help absorb the increase.
And then, of course, some of the "new roads and storm drains" have apparently only benefited certain friends of the powers-that-be, as outlined in this series of articles here, here and here.