Hawthorn Woods residents back tax hike for road repair program

Hawthorn Woods officials may now start working to pave the way.

On Tuesday 65% of voters approved a tax hike that allows the village to create an annual road repair and maintenance program with a dedicated funding source.

With 100% of Election Day ballots counted as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, 1,109 voters approved the measure, titled "Still Working to Pave the Way," while 596 voted against it, unofficial results showed.

Those totals don't include votes cast early, by mail or provisional ballots.

A previous "Hawthorn Woods Paves the Way" request failed by a 3-to-2 ratio.

The new measure replaces a current special service area tax with a villagewide tax that officials said would be more equitable.

"Still Working" will generate about $877,000 annually. Owners of a $300,000 home will pay about $180 more in taxes. The new revenue stream won't start until next year.

"During the interim, we would update a revised road maintenance program for 2023 and beyond to outline our street paving program schedule," Hawthorn Woods Chief Operating Officer Pam Newton said.