Pingree Grove says no to tax hike

Residents of Cambridge Lakes South subdivision in Pingree Grove won't have to pay a five percent tax increase after all.

On Monday night, the village board unanimously voted not to raise a pair of special service area taxes that cover the subdivision's maintenance costs, a move that elicited applause from the 31 residents in attendance.

The vote was led by Trustee Greg Marston, who said he opposed the increase due to the current economy. Marston and a majority of the other board members live in Cambridge Lakes South.

During a hearing, resident Bruce Mellon said the tax is discriminatory because Cambridge Lakes South residents are the only ones shouldering the burden.

He, like many at the meeting, was under the impression that the money was used to benefit the entire village. However, it's actually only spent on the subdivision's maintenance costs, Village Attorney Dean Frieders said.

"It doesn't pay for services outside its boundaries," Frieders said.

Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey recommended raising it $14.91, from $298.20 to $313.11, contrary to advice from Pingree Grove's village manager and finance director, a point Marston mentioned during the village's Truth in Taxation hearing.

"How many years of experience do you have," Marston asked Finance Director Laura Pisarcik.

"Fifteen," she replied.

"Thank you," Marston said.

Carey is concerned that the fund - which now contains $75,000 - won't be enough in case there's an emergency, such as a heavy snowfall that depletes the fund's balance.

The increase would have generated an extra $20,000 in revenue.

But since that money won't come, Carey has set up a task force with Marston and Trustee Steve Wiedmeyer to look at ways to finance the subdivision's maintenance costs, whether it's through the special service area tax or some other option.

"As you can see, it's a complicated question," Carey said.

After the vote, Marston suggested moving some of the money in the fund to deal with 24 dying trees in the subdivision.

"I've been trying to get the trees replaced for a year," he said.

He later put the kibosh on the idea after Carey and Trustee Stephanie Mette said the board would be better off saving the cash.

"Is there a rush to do this tonight?" Mette said. "I'd rather have my streets plowed and safe than to have my trees replaced right now."