Palatine Officials Pleased With Balanced 2017 Budget, But Worry About 2018

PALATINE, IL — Village officials promised a balance budget for 2017 without cutting municipal services, but they said 2018 could be a hard year for Palatine if the state's financial problems continue, the Daily Herald reports.

Mayor Jim Schwantz and Village Manager Reid Ottesen said a restructuring of public safety services or a property tax increase of more than 10 percent could be around the corner if state lawmakers can't figure out pension reform in the next couple years, the report stated. The 2017 budget will see a more than 1.5 percent increase in what the village spends on public safety pension contributions, the report added.

"If Springfield doesn't take care of its house, it will be very difficult for municipalities," Schwantz said, according to the Herald.

Palatine's tax levy, however, will not increase for the sixth consecutive year, the report stated. The levy — frozen at about $21.7 million — has saved taxpayers more than $300,000 annually over that six-year term, the report added.

The Village Council will vote on the proposed balanced budget next month.

Residents can view the full 2017 budget at the village's website.

More via the Daily Herald

photo via Patch archive

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