DuPage County referendum results: Two up, two down
DuPage County voters in Tuesday's primary supported government consolidation and a Bloomingdale Fire Protection District tax increase, but rejected a tax increase for the York Center Fire Protection District and gambling for West Chicago. Here's a closer look:
Merger
Voters overwhelmingly supported an advisory proposal to merge the DuPage County Election Commission with the county clerk's office.
More than 56 percent of voters approved the nonbinding question that officials say will give them the backing they need to convince state legislators to change the law to allow such a merger. An amendment to a 1970s law that created the election commission would be the easiest way to merge the two offices.
The county estimates such a merger could save roughly $300,000 a year and the clerk's office could handle election duties.
Gambling
West Chicago voters have had years to think about video gambling and on Tuesday they made it clear they still don't want it.
Nearly 70 percent of voters said "no" when asked whether the city should permit video gambling. Council members banned the machines in 2010, but several businesses asked the city to reconsider.
Bloomingdale fire
Residents of the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District overwhelmingly approved a request for additional tax dollars for equipment, vehicles and facilities.
Roughly 66 percent of voters approved the plan that will provide the district with $518,000 in additional property taxes each year for 10 years. The increase will begin with 2018 taxes payable in 2019. It follows a one-year decrease, which occurred because a tax-backed loan was repaid.
The increase will cost the owner of a $300,000 home about $40 more a year.
York Center fire
Voters in York Center Fire Protection District rejected a property tax increase proposal to raise minimum staffing levels and replace aging equipment.
Roughly 58 percent of voters opposed the request for $238,000 more a year that would have cost the owner of a $300,000 house an additional $66 annually. The district serves parts of Oakbrook Terrace and unincorporated areas near Oak Brook, Lombard and Villa Park.