Endorsement: No on Glen Ellyn Mosquito Abatement District taxes

Voters in most of Glen Ellyn will be asked on the Nov. 6 ballot to increase the tax rate for the Glen Ellyn Mosquito Abatement District. It is the first request for a tax hike from the small, all-volunteer district since 1992, and if passed would result in a $5 to $7 increase in taxes to the owner of a $400,000 home, for a total of about $18 to $21. District board chairman Jim Ryan notes the district's focus has changed from fighting a nuisance to fighting the spread of the potentially fatal West Nile and Zika viruses, which are carried by mosquitoes. The additional funds would go into reinstating and expanding programs to monitor and fight the disease-carrying insects. While we agree mosquito abatement has taken a new urgency with the onset of West Nile and Zika, a new wrinkle arose this week when Milton Township Supervisor Chris Heindorn announced plans to replace the district's board members - who are appointed by the township - with the goal of consolidating the district into the township. Any request for more funding should be put on hold until the consolidation issue is resolved; therefore, we recommend a no vote on the referendum.