Elburn seniors lose utility tax rebate

Looking for every dollar it can to balance its budget, the Elburn Village Board this week rescinded rebates senior citizens have been getting on municipal taxes on utility bills.

For almost 10 years, Elburn residents 62 and older have been eligible to get back up to 75 percent of the tax they paid on electrical, telephone and natural gas bills.

They won't be able to for calendar year 2009.

Last year, 131 people applied, and the village refunded $10,318.

"Like all local governments, we have had an extremely difficult year financially," said David Morrison, the village's community development director and assistant administrator.

Elburn residents pay a 5 percent tax on natural gas, and roughly 6 percent on telecommunications service. The electricity tax is based on kilowatt hours used and works out to about 5 percent, Morrison said.

Village President Dave Anderson said the board will discuss resuming the rebates when it begins planning its 2010-11 budget next year. Elburn's fiscal year begins May 1.

"We would recommend those seniors that are eligible (for the program) to retain their utility bills beginning in January 2010 so if it is reinstated, they are ahead of the game," Anderson said.