Libertyville to drop natural gas tax to 4% from 5%

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Libertyville officials by a 6-0 vote Tuesday agreed to cut the village tax on natural gas from 5 percent to 4 percent in a nod to an improving financial picture.

The tax, which raises about $500,000 a year, was one of three utility taxes instituted or increased about two years ago to offset a drop in sales tax revenue. Envisioned as temporary, the taxes were extended to April 30, 2012. Trustee Rich Moras, who raised the idea for the cut, said it should occur as soon as practical.

Mike Hall, speaking on behalf of Libertyville Professional Firefighters Association 3892, told the board it wasn't a good time to reduce revenues.

"We have a hard time supporting this while the staffing is at such a minimum right now," he said of the fire, police and public works departments.