Arlington Hts. approves $42.6 million tax levy

The Arlington Heights Village Board Monday approved a 2011 property tax levy of $42.6 million, representing zero increase from the previous year.

Village taxes amount to about 11 percent of most homeowners' tax bills.

“We did hear the message from our residents,” said Village President Arlene Mulder, who praised the village staff for cutting costs and maintaining services.

The village levy includes $13 million for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, whose board has also asked for no levy increase for the second consecutive year.

Changes in pension laws and reduction of village debt payments are the main reasons the village can hold the line on property taxes, according to a report issued last month.

The village is also receiving more money from economy-dependent areas such as sales tax and permit fees. Village staff also recommends retaining the utility taxes that the board had hoped to reconsider this fall.

Cuts in expenses include 46 fewer jobs due to vacancies and layoffs over three years and zero salary increases except for longevity-based step raises.