Western Springs Eyes Tax Hike Referendum

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs trustees are set to decide Monday whether to put a proposed tax increase before voters.

It would amount to a 1 percent increase in the sales tax. The income would go for road, drainage and utility projects, officials said.

"The Village of Western Springs is an aging community much like our neighboring communities, and with an aging community, the Village's infrastructure is in need of rehabilitation," Village Manager Ellen Baer said in a memo to the Village Board.

She identified other towns that have the same tax – La Grange, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Indian Head Park and Westchester.

The proposed tax was presented to the Western Springs Business Association board and at the Gathering on the Green.

"Neither occasion presented any opposition, but I recognize that the business community may be reluctant to support this tax," Baer said.

She said products, convenience and customer service, not sales taxes, influence shopping patterns.

The referendum would be part of the Nov. 8 election.