News | Condo Deal Approved

Last week voters were asked to ban assault weapons in Cook County, raise the minimum wage and bring home the troops from Iraq. All three referenda were approved by county voters but some local villages also looked to voters for help. Indian Head Park The Village of Indian Head Park placed a referendum on this year’s ballot to increase the sales tax in the village 1%. The increase is supposed to help generate $170 thousand to $180 thousand in additional income. Village Administrator Frank Alonzo said that the purpose for the sales tax increase was to increase revenue because revenue sources are somewhat limited for the village. The village is mostly dependent on property taxes Alonzo said. The referendum was approved by voters and according to Alonzo the village will discuss what to do with the additional funds besides continuing their current projects. The referendum passed by 69% to 31%. Willow Springs In Willow Springs village residents had to choose between raising property taxes and eliminating the Willow Springs fire department. Even though village residents expressed concerns about the elimination of the fire department voters rejected the referendum that would have raised property taxes. The revenue generated by that referendum was supposed to help fund the fire department. The village board met last week to discuss the referendum and budget concerns. There weren’t any immediate plans for the fire department available but the committee of the whole meeting is scheduled for Thursday Nov. 16 and discussion about the fire department’s situation is slated to take place. The referendum failed to pass by a 3 to 1 margin. Lyons In Lyons two referenda were on the ballot this year. One was to increase property taxes and the other looked to extend the time in office for elected officials. Both referenda failed to pass. The term limit referenda failed to pass by 69% to 31% while the property tax increase referenda failed with 85% of voters rejecting it.