New Utility Tax Takes Effect in Crystal Lake

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL —The city of Crystal Lake has enacted a new utility tax that will go toward funding capital improvement projects in the city, including updates to stormwater, water and sewer systems and roadways, the Northwest Herald reports. The new tax, which is applied to natural gas and electricity bills, took effect on Sept. 1, and the amount area residents or business owners will pay is dependant on how much of the utility is used.

While city residents might not be thrilled by the new tax, the utility tax is a common fee imposed on utility bills for nearby towns, including Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Cary and Lakewood, city officials said. The city estimates the average increase will be $4.62 more per month for electricity bills and an increase of $4.34 per month for natural gas bills, according to the Northwest Herald.

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