Police pension fund is now mandated in Hawthorn Woods

Voters in Hawthorn Woods are being asked to approve a tax increase so the village can create and fund a police pension fund.

Although more taxes are probably the last thing recession-weary voters need to endure, we recommend a yes vote.

The increase is $11.67 the first year on each $100,000 of home value. That's about $35 a year for a typical $300,000 house.

And it comes without a choice since state law requires a town of more than 5,000 people to create a police pension fund and a board to administer it, village officials point out.

Like many towns, Hawthorn Woods has been struggling. As the housing bubble burst, the income from housing permits - a major revenue source - has fallen, forcing officials to lay off employees. In the police department those cuts have left 11 officers to protect the community.

The village has made due by reallocating manpower and putting administrative personnel on the streets.

Although the economy prevents hiring more officers now, when conditions improve, a police pension fund will help the community attract new candidates.