Campton trustees speak to rumors

Campton Hills leaders renewed a pledge Monday to avoid new taxes in the recently incorporated village, but several residents didn't seem to buy it.

The dialogue came during a public Q-and-A session in which village officials tried to dispel "rumors and misinformation" about the municipality.

"I don't know how much more clear we can make this," Village President Patsy Smith said. "We would never put (a tax-hike referendum) on the ballot unless there was an indication we need one. And right now, there's not that indication."

Smith was responding to claims that the village, which narrowly won incorporation rights in an April referendum, has underestimated operating costs and will eventually need to raise property taxes. The notion is one of the main arguing points of a group seeking to dissolve the village via referendum.

But because the village is bound by tax cap laws, such a move wouldn't be possible without voter approval, Smith said, and a tax referendum is not in the works.

Several members of the public, however, remained skeptical even after hearing Smith's promise, as well as an overview of how the village plans to get its funding.

Resident Robert Smith questioned the village's plan to fund itself largely with state tax revenue, which can only be estimated in newborn Campton Hills. He also questioned the village's take on development plans from surrounding communities, such as the city of Elgin.

"I make my decisions based on facts, not perceptions," he told the board.

More than 50 residents attended the session, which lasted more than two hours.

Some scowled or raised their voices in disagreement as village leaders responded to questions that were filed in writing before the meeting.

Trustee Bern Bertsche said there appears to be a "lack of trust" among the public and the village officials, "and we really need to get through it."

"There's no hidden agendas," he said.