Downtown Wheaton group talk on tap

A business group in downtown Wheaton whose funding recently has come under fire will find out Wednesday night whether the city will approve its budget request.

The Downtown Wheaton Association last month asked the city for $230,000 to cover operational expenses as well as an additional $60,000 that would cover additional projects, including street projects and a fine art fair. The larger sum will come from a special taxing area that includes the businesses in the DWA.

For the additional $60,000, Mayor Mike Gresk said the city would most likely dip into funds from a nearby special taxing district.

Last month, Councilman Phil Suess said groups such as the Downtown Wheaton Association should rely on private donations. The special taxing area was set to expire in May and the business group asked for an extension of funding until Dec. 31.

The city collects a tax of 95 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value. The money is then reinvested into improvements for the area.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. tonight at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.