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Huntley special census underway in hopes of home rule

Huntley is in the midst of a partial special census to gauge population growth that could allow the village to achieve home-rule authority - something officials have been pushing for years.

Census takers are canvassing homes in the Talamore, Lions Case and Covington Lakes subdivisions, and a few neighborhoods within Sun City senior living community where there has been significant growth.

Since the 2010 census, the village has authorized more than 700 new homes and added an estimated 2,000 residents within these subdivisions, officials said.

At the last count, the village's population was 24,291 residents. It is estimated to have surpassed the 25,000 population threshold for a home-rule municipality.

"Primarily, there is additional per capita revenue that is generated with new population," said Lisa Armour, assistant village manager.

Officials estimate the higher population will generate between $230,000 and $240,000 yearly in additional revenue.

Home-rule authority gives municipalities new lawmaking and taxing powers, such as imposing stricter regulations than the state and new taxes on utilities, hotels, restaurants, alcohol and tobacco sales, and real estate transactions without need for a voter referendum. It also exempts such towns from the state's property tax cap law that limits a local government's ability to increase tax levies on existing property to the rate of inflation or 5 percent, whichever is lower.

Verifying current population numbers is necessary to determine the distribution of population-based revenues, such as state income, use and motor fuel taxes. A population increase would bring in more revenue to the village to help fund projects, such as the annual street improvement program, officials said.

All census workers must display a U.S. Census Bureau badge and will conduct a roughly 10-minute interview asking five questions for each person living in the household.

For questions or concerns, call Julie Langos, village accounting supervisor, at (847) 515-5200.

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