West Chicago treasurer eliminated, tax rejected

West Chicago voters eliminated the city’s elected office of treasurer Tuesday, and rejected a flat $10 tax on real estate transfers.

With all 23 precincts reporting, residents voted 1,043 to 417 in support of doing away with the treasurer’s job, and 1,022 to 426 against the proposed transfer tax, according to unofficial results of two referendums.

City officials said eliminating the treasurer’s office — a move supported by current Treasurer Don Earley — will save some $4,500 a year in salary expenses, reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. The change takes effect in 2013, when Earley’s term expires.

The tax, meanwhile, would have been used to ensure all debts owed the city were paid before a seller moves, officials said.