Proposed Tax Levy Could Allow for Expansion of Programs, Increased Staff, Reinstatement of Previous Programs

Editor's Note: Milton Township Assessor Bob Earl was not involved in setting the tax levy. 

Wheaton's City Council announced the proposed property tax levy of $18,527,633 for next year will be less than the last year's during a planning session yesterday, Monday, Nov. 29.

The levy will have its first reading during the City Council meeting Monday, Dec. 6. 

Robert Lehnhardt, director of finance, put together the annual five-year forecast, determining monies needed for operations, according to Rose, projecting the tax levy enacted to complete the property taxes Wheaton receives.

"It appears in the forecast as we look at other factors like modest growth in the economy, small increases in revenues and modest growth in our employee-related expenditures, we might well be able to stabilize without increasing our property taxes," Rose said. "We might be bottoming out on the revenue side, having a little stabilization."

He continued, "We have used relatively low estimates the last two years. If there is improvement in the economy by 2015 or 2016, we could see better numbers then we are forecasting."

Rose said the council made tough choices in cutting 34 personnel positions, funding for the library and History Center and ending some programs and services to get Wheaton's budget in a good position.

Despite these reductions, property tax, sales tax, electric and utility taxes have risen.

Rose cautioned that the levy is one revenue source the city can control being independent of external forces. He said the levy would allow possible expansion of programs, services, a hopeful increase in staff levels or reinstatement of previous services and programs.

Councilman Howard Levine said this neutral forecast is the best forecast in the last three or four years.

"As a council and a staff, we had to make many tough decisions," Levine said. "It reflects not only the tough decisions that this council has made, but Mr. Rose and his staff in keeping our expenditures in line with our revenues. It was no easy task to live within our means and not be hemorrhaging anymore."

Councilman Phil Suess said it is very important going to the community and saying the property tax levies are at the same level when they have increased recently.

"This is a very responsible message to our community," Suess said.

Mayor Michael Gresk said the city council's fiscal responsibility got Wheaton to where the property tax levy could decrease. He said that and Wheaton's bond ratings increasing show how the city takes fiscal responsibilities seriously.

"There is a very small group of communities whose debt ratings have gone up," Suess said. "Having a AAA+ Bond rating is being in elite company."