East Dundee board not looking to increase property tax levy

There's no need to call East Dundee officials to complain about property tax increases. They're not after a property tax hike, and they're not really looking for a huge increase in the property tax levy, either.

But given the way the system works, village board members must ensure they capture the maximum amount because if they aim low, they could miss out on some much-needed cash.

What the village did last week is put the proposed amount for its property tax levy on the books. The levy is the total amount collected by a government entity. That money is used to cover expenses like salaries and police and fire pension funds taken from the general fund.

The proposed property tax levy of $622,200 is a 20 percent increase over last year's tax levy extension of $518,800. But that doesn't mean the village will get its hands on all it has asked for.

Typically, the village, like most other taxing bodies, asks for more than it knows it will receive. To ensure it receives all funds from property taxes that is entitled to, the village must levy for more than it knows it will get. Otherwise, the village could potentially lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in property tax money that will never be repaid. In this case, the village is accounting for new construction in the Prairie Lakes subdivision along Route 68.

Since the actual value of properties in the village is not determined until at least the spring, village officials must estimate. It is always safer to shoot higher. The village has the opportunity to abate any property tax funds that are not used, but cannot request funds above the property tax levy.

Property tax rates will not be known until the new year. Under the $622,200 levy, homeowners would expect to pay about 48 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value, up from about 42 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value. But again, those numbers are hypothetical until the actual rate is known.

Trustees said the rate has historically ranged from a 5 percent decrease to a six percent increase.

The village board will hold a public hearing on the property tax levy at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15 at village hall, 120 Barrington Avenue.

Census takers needed: For those looking for some extra work, the United States Census Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time employees for the 2010 Census.

A flier on the Carpentersville Web site says the jobs are flexible, well-paid and close to home.

The Census Bureau needs thousands of people to update address lists and to interview local residents.

For more information on the positions and how to apply, go to vil.carpentersville.il.us and follow the link.

Run for office: Carpentersville residents interested in running in the 2009 Consolidated Election can pick up packets from the village clerk or download them at the State of Illinois Web site.

The village president seat and three trustee seats are open. Each term is four years, expiring April 30, 2013.

The village clerk's office is in room 203 at village hall, 1200 LW Besinger Drive.