Editorial: Pay attention to local financial issues

It seems everyone has an opinion on how Congress is doing with taxpayer money. Same is true for the Illinois General Assembly. But if you want to have a direct impact on your bottom line, it's probably best to be paying attention to what's happening in your town's municipal building or school office.

This newspaper is one of the few that endorses candidates in local elections. And as part of that process, we encourage voters to pay attention and gather information on candidates' views. By doing so, you can be informed best as to what happens to your real estate tax bill and other fees you pay for services you use regularly.

But that encouragement to be involved shouldn't start or stop at the ballot box. You have ample opportunity to get your voice heard directly if you are paying attention.

For example, two of the largest communities in our circulation area are right now debating a truly local, but vital service - garbage pickup. Heck, even Chicago, which gets a bit more coverage of its financial dealings, is doing the same.

Here in the suburbs, Naperville is looking to increase its garbage fees and Arlington Heights is debating whether to cut back on its twice-a-week garbage pickup plan.

Plenty of voices are being heard - but is yours one of them? While it seems in this day and age, twice-a-week garbage pickup might be considered a luxury, it's a service residents are used to and the debate is not being taken lightly.

"You would be surprised how big of an issue garbage can be and how passionate people in this community are about it," said Arlington Heights Trustee Jim Tinaglia.

The current contract between the village and its refuse hauler runs out in March 2016. Residents, be sure to let the village board know how you feel as they are now seeking bids for a new contract that may or may not reduce the pickup frequency.

In Naperville, the city is looking at a $10.35 a month increase in garbage service fees - from $2 to $12.35. The increase, proponents say, ends a long practice of the city, rather than property owners, subsidizing the bulk of the service.

It's part of a larger discussion on the city's budget shortfall and its need to pay down its debt and replenish cash reserves.

"'We've always done it this way' is not an acceptable answer," said Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico in a guest view on this page on Friday.

In addition to the garbage fee hike, Chirico is making a case for a 0.5 percent home-rule sales tax. He likes that idea better than a property tax increase. The mayor did a good job explaining his thoughts. Now, if you live in Naperville, you should have an opinion on whether you agree and make sure Chirico and the city council know what it is before Sept. 15 when they are scheduled to vote.

Local elections are more than a year away, but your homework should be ongoing.