Carol Stream tax up slightly

Carol Stream officials approved a slight increase in the library's property tax levy next year, but not without including new language in its ordinance that effectively ensures the proposal falls below the tax cap.

The overall request of $3,408,223 represents a .1 percent increase over last year's extension. The increase equals the amount the library would be allowed under the tax cap, which is directly related to the consumer price index. The 2008 CPI was at a decades-low .1 percent.

Two weeks ago, the library had requested a 1.5 percent increase, which would have meant an additional $51,736.60. But the village board delayed a decision in order to look into the request to see if it fell below the tax cap. By law, if the library's request does not exceed the tax cap, the village must approve the levy.

Last Wednesday, the library board held a special meeting to draft the new proposal.

"It worked out," said village Manager Joe Breinig. "The board gave them direction and the library demonstrated their cooperation."

In the ordinance, the library included a provision that requires that the county clerk require the library levy be below the tax cap. Breinig said the board indicated that it would renew this provision each year.

Library Director Ann Kennedy said the board reallocated requested funds at the special meeting and ended up with reductions across the board, including in social security contributions and retirement funds. She said she told the 59 employees of the library that they would not receive raises for the next two years.

Other services, such as videos and book purchases, will also be decreased.

"We recognized that the village board was only going to vote for the .1 percent increase," Kennedy said. "I understand what they are saying and that they want us to stick with that levy."

During the Nov. 2 meeting, the board was told that the library held reserves of more than $4 million.

But library Trustee and Treasurer Robert Douglas told the board during the meeting that the number was a misunderstanding and actual reserves were closer to $2.8 million. An auditor had included money set aside for a renovation project on the library.

Douglas also said the board's request that the library look into becoming a library district was not economically feasible at the moment.