Elgin's senior property tax rebate remains, for now

Senior citizens and mobile home owners in Elgin will still get their $200 property tax rebate this summer - courtesy of a long-standing program using profits from the Grand Victoria Casino.

But next year could be a different story as Elgin City Council leaders investigate spending the $825,000 that funds the program on other uses.

Councilman David Kaptain noted a continuing decline in casino profits that will be exacerbated in late summer 2011 when a land-based casino opens in Des Plaines.

"Maybe there are better uses that can be made with this money," he said. "I am not objecting to the rebate this year, but we need to work toward next year."

Last year, Mayor Ed Schock suggested the city look into issuing $200 vouchers or prepaid debit cards for downtown businesses. But the ire of seniors and logistical issues eventually torpedoed that idea.

"Last year, when we tried to tweak the program, there were some passionate responses," said Councilman Mike Warren.

This time, council members want to get more input from seniors and possibly partner with other agencies that serve the city's older population.

No firm ideas have been floated, but city officials were quick to note the high demand for senior programs at Elgin Township and a lack of room for programs and events at Senior Services Associates in the downtown.

"We should have the conversation with the senior community in the coming year," said Councilman John Steffen, adding the city should partner with another group if possible. "I don't think the city has to come into this with a check book (only)."

The cost of the program has increased as more residents have qualified for the rebates and city annexations have put more homes within its boundaries.

In 2008, the program cost $677,385 to administer. It rose to $735,175 last year and will be $825,000 in 2010, according to a city memo.

"I don't see that this program will be sustainable much longer," Kaptain said.