Arlington Heights approves 2016 budget, levy hike
Arlington Heights approved its 2016 budget this week, which includes a 2.8 percent property tax levy increase for residents.
The $157.2 million budget is the first for the village that will align with the calendar year starting Jan 1.
After several hearings earlier this month, the village board on Monday unanimously approved the budget with minimal changes from the original staff proposal. Officials said planning this year was more difficult because of the uncertainty surrounding state funding.
"This is a unique year because of what is happening in Springfield," said Trustee Thomas Glasgow. "We don't know what funding we're going to get and what funding we're not going to get."
Last year the trustees approved a zero percent increase to the property tax levy, but officials said because of the uncertain revenues and pressing infrastructure concerns, an increase was necessary this year.
The additional property tax revenue will go toward street resurfacing and rebuilding, officials said. Village taxes make up about 12 percent of the average resident's tax bill.
"Residents can have all confidence that we have done everything possible to keep your taxes as low as possible," Glasgow said.