Rolling Meadows looks to tax hike, loan to fill deficit

After much discussion, the nearly $1.7 million budget deficit facing the city of Rolling Meadows will likely translate to a short-term loan and an approximate 12.8 percent increase to the city's portion of its residents' property taxes.

As Mayor Kenneth Nelson explained during the public comment portion of the meeting, the council's proposed 12.8 percent increase of the city's property tax is in the draft budget, but is not yet final.

The city's portion of the increase is related to its pension obligations for city police and fire personnel.

One of several items surrounding budget cuts was Third Ward Alderman Larry Buske's concern about a proposal to eliminate the city's printed newsletter in favor of a electronic-only version.

Noting that a resident feared people who didn't have Internet or cable are becoming “second-class citizens,” Buske said going electronic-only would be a “slap in people's faces” who either do not want to pay for or cannot afford Internet access.

The council will next discuss the issue of short-term borrowing at a special council meeting on Nov. 16 and will discuss the budget at a committee of the whole meeting to be held Nov. 30.

A new cable, television and Internet provider was welcomed to the city after a presentation on its service offerings. Council members welcomed Wide Open West, better known as “WOW!” in the spirit of competition with other providers. The company, which hopes to offer a three-service bundle package for $89 a month or a two-service bundle for $69 a month, plans to start construction as soon as next month and welcoming its first Rolling Meadows customers in February or March 2011.