Don’t raise our taxes, Elgin

Dear members of the Elgin City Council,

I’m writing to make sure you’re aware that we’ve received our second installment of our property taxes here in Elgin/Cook County side and they’ve increased by 22 to 24 percent — from 2009 to 2010.

This increase is despite the fact that our assessed value went down 5 percent. Twelve of the 15 taxing districts are receiving more tax revenues this year than last, including the City of Elgin’s raising by 22.36 percent.

I’m telling you this to simply make the point that raising any taxes further on the citizens and/or businesses here in Elgin would be a huge mistake.

Everywhere we look different governmental bodies have raised our taxes or fees in the worst economy over the last 60 years. Enough is enough and rumors abound that the City of Elgin wants to raise our taxes, too.

Instead of raising our taxes you should instead follow the recommendations of your own Budget Tax Force and cut spending and/or reduce the size of government. Also cuts to core services should be a last resort — not first.

Further cuts in staff — especially management or supervisory personnel — should come first.

These are extremely tough times and the city council along with the city manager should show leadership on this issue. For every dollar governments take from citizens or businesses that means there are less discretionary dollars to spend in the local economy.

The other current fact of life is that the only states and cities prospering in this economy today are those who lowered taxes.

Terry Gavin

Elgin