Glen Ellyn eyes tax for services to nonresidents

Glen Ellyn is on its way to establishing a new tax for residents who receive fire department services, but don't live within village limits.

On Monday, the board approved two special service areas for unincorporated portions to the north and south of town that have been receiving service from the Glen Ellyn Fire Department.

The next step will be a public hearing at the Aug. 24 board meeting. At that time, the 2,200 affected residents can object to the special service areas. Otherwise, they will be formally voted in on Nov. 9.

To object, 51 percent of property owners and 51 percent of registered voters in the area have to file a petition within 60 days. Those affected by the new tax will be notified by mail.

Glen Ellyn first had to get permission from the DuPage County Board for the taxing districts, since they affect unincorporated residents. That approval was granted in May.

The Glen Ellyn Fire Department is staffed by volunteers, and runs on money from donations and from the village.

Officials said the money coming from nonresidents historically has been disproportionate to that given by residents, even though they receive the same service.

"The village really can't carry that burden any longer," village attorney Stuart Diamond said.

The village has set a maximum rate of 25 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, or $200 per year for a home valued at $250,000. However, the village will likely only apply half of that amount, leaving room to charge more in the future, if necessary.

Officials have said the tax will bring in about $250,000 on top of the fire department's $1 million budget.

"That tax rate is significantly below any of the neighboring fire protection districts," said Jon Batek, the village's finance director.

If the two taxing districts aren't approved, the village has said it will no longer be able to provide fire services to unincorporated areas.