Wheeling village board approves big increase in utility taxes

Wheeling utility taxes will increase to provide funds for capital improvements — streets and the water and sewer systems — the village board decided Monday.

The tax increases, which go into effect April 1, will raise $1 million more annually to provide needed money for these projects, staff reports said.

Taxes on gas will more than double to 5 cents per therm, costing the average residential user $2.22 more each month, while taxes on electricity will go up roughly 37 percent or just under $1 for each user, said Michael Mondschian, director of finance and administrative services for the village.

The increases passed on a 4-3 vote with Village President Judy Abruscato and Trustees Ray Lang, David Vogel and Robert Heer voting in favor. Opposed were Dean Argiris, Kenneth Brady and Bill Hein, who are all candidates in the April 9 municipal election, as is Abruscato.

The taxes will be at the maximum allowed by law and will be in line with those charged in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove, according to staff memos.