Tax hike on the ballot in Maple Park

A little bit of money could go a long way for the Maple Park Police Department, officials say.

This spring, the village is asking voters for a one-half percent tax increase to fund police improvements that are considered a matter of public safety.

"We need police protection and we have to pay for it," Village President Ross Dueringer said recently. "It's a safety issue."

The property tax increase would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $16 in new taxes in the first year, with slight increases through 2012. The median home value in Maple Park is $129,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Dueringer said the police department currently has an annual budget of about $93,000. The hike would generate an additional $16,000 in new tax revenue and support general police department needs, including equipment purchases and payroll, he said.

"Everything we take in is for the good of the police department and the people of Maple Park," Dueringer said of the ballot request, which was supported unanimously by the village board.

Maple Park currently has four part-time officers patrolling the rural village just 56 hours a week due to budget constraints. Dueringer said the extra money could help cover the costs of on-call officers who respond as needed.

The department also has been without a police chief since Chester Morris left the post after he was acquitted in 2005 of charges he perpetuated illegal gambling.

Dueringer said hiring a new chief is a priority, although the tax increase would not be large enough to fund the position itself.

The election is April 7.