Western Springs May Seek More From Taxpayers

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs is poised to seek more money from property taxpayers. And it is considering hiring a consultant to look at ways to assess a stormwater fee.

At this week's Village Board meeting, Trustee Heidi Rudolph informed her colleagues that the village was considering increasing its property tax levy by nearly 6 percent next year, to $9.8 million. That levy includes the library, which would get $1.8 million of the total.

Of the village's levy increase, about half would go toward debt from infrastructure projects, while the other half would go to the police pension fund and general operations, according to the village. A portion of the levy increase would be absorbed by new construction, officials said.

In most places, including Western Springs, schools take up the majority of property taxes. Last year, Western Springs received 15 percent of property tax bills. By comparison, the village of Burr Ridge's portion was 13 percent and Darien's was 16 percent. The numbers for Burr Ridge and Darien include their separate taxing districts for fire departments and libraries, which are part of Western Springs' levy.

A decision on the 2022 tax levy must be made by next month.

Meanwhile, the village's staff is recommending paying $77,000 for a study on how to carry out a stormwater fee. The staff has selected the Raftelis firm, which has performed such studies for more than 50 towns.

Many communities with such fees assess them based on the amount of impervious surfaces such as pavement on a property. Generally, properties with more such surfaces contribute more to flooding. The fee, officials say, would pay for stormwater projects.

Elmhurst is also considering a fee. Officials there recently noted that it's a complicated way to raise money for projects.