Marquette Heights Homeowners Upset Over Proposed Tax Increase
By: WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: March 8, 2012
MARQUETTE HEIGHTS, IL - Twenty year old Tyler Huffman is a new dad with a whole new world of responsibility.
"I stay on top of everything and I take care of my family," said Huffman. "That's the main goal."
But a tax referendum proposed by the city could put his family's financial health at risk.
"It's just going to raise the stake and take monthly payments up higher," said Huffman.
The city wants to raise the tax levy in Marquette Heights to 4.95 percent.
For a $100,000 dollar home, that's a $28 dollar increase per year.
"Twenty-eight dollars may not seem like a lot, but for the needy people that need it for gasoline, diapers, especially in my case, for having a newborn," said Huffman.
Marquette Heights Mayor Dana Dearborn, says the proposed property tax extension law or "PTEL" tax is needed for everyday operations.
He wants people to vote in favor of it in the March election.
"An increase of $28 dollars will continue to provide the services we need to provide," said Dearborn.
Those services include public safety, street repair and equipment purchases.
"Anything could be affected if we don't get this increase, which we need," added Dearborn.
But Joan Wodstrchill says she's tired of paying more, and she thinks the city should make cuts to balance its budget.
"We have four police cars," said Wodstrchill. "Why does Marquette Heights need 4 police cars? They generally only have one officer on duty for each shift."
So when it comes time to head to the polls, she's making sure her voice is heard.
"I'm going to say "no." Plain and simple," said Wodstrchill.
The city is holding a meeting to discuss the issue tonight at Liberty Hall at 6 pm.
A second meeting is scheduled for March 13th at Liberty Hall.
"I stay on top of everything and I take care of my family," said Huffman. "That's the main goal."
But a tax referendum proposed by the city could put his family's financial health at risk.
"It's just going to raise the stake and take monthly payments up higher," said Huffman.
The city wants to raise the tax levy in Marquette Heights to 4.95 percent.
For a $100,000 dollar home, that's a $28 dollar increase per year.
"Twenty-eight dollars may not seem like a lot, but for the needy people that need it for gasoline, diapers, especially in my case, for having a newborn," said Huffman.
Marquette Heights Mayor Dana Dearborn, says the proposed property tax extension law or "PTEL" tax is needed for everyday operations.
He wants people to vote in favor of it in the March election.
"An increase of $28 dollars will continue to provide the services we need to provide," said Dearborn.
Those services include public safety, street repair and equipment purchases.
"Anything could be affected if we don't get this increase, which we need," added Dearborn.
But Joan Wodstrchill says she's tired of paying more, and she thinks the city should make cuts to balance its budget.
"We have four police cars," said Wodstrchill. "Why does Marquette Heights need 4 police cars? They generally only have one officer on duty for each shift."
So when it comes time to head to the polls, she's making sure her voice is heard.
"I'm going to say "no." Plain and simple," said Wodstrchill.
The city is holding a meeting to discuss the issue tonight at Liberty Hall at 6 pm.
A second meeting is scheduled for March 13th at Liberty Hall.
