After weeks of trying to lower property taxes, Evanston City Council voted down two potential sources of revenue at Monday's meeting.
The council voted 3-6 against a 1 percent tax increase on prepared food and beverages, which they previously unanimously approved in a budget meeting. They also rejected 4-5 an ordinance to charge a $40 licensing fee each year for all rental units. Without these measures, the city must cut about $1.2 million or increase property taxes by 9.3 percent for the 2008-09 budget season. The budget must be finalized by Saturday.
"I'm not sure what we're supposed to do," said Ald. Ann Rainey (8th). "Those were two items we were counting on."
The licensing fee ordinance faced opposition from a majority of the 54 residents, landlords and property owners who signed up to comment at the Planning and Development Committee earlier in the evening. After listening to their concerns, the committee voted not to pass the ordinance on to City Council.
"I think we have a lot of problems that we need to resolve, but I think we need to take a step back," Ald. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (2nd). "I'm not supporting the ordinance tonight, but I support the spirit and the call for it."
The ordinance was introduced as a way to help the city hold problem landlords accountable, Rainey said. Licenses would allow the city to collect information on property owners so they could approach them if issues arise between landlords and tenants.
But many owners and managers spoke out against the fee, which some said was nothing but an attempt by the city to gain revenue for next year's budget.
James Dyer, a rental property owner, said with property taxes already high, it is unfair for the city to charge more fees.
"What do I get for my taxes? Nothing," Dyer said. "It's a shame to see that every time you turn around the water bill goes up, the gas bill goes up, taxes go up."
Others said the ordinance contradicted the city's commitment to affordable housing by targeting all property owners in an attempt to punish those that are negligent.
2008 Woodie Awards
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Jeff Perlman
posted 2/26/08 @ 4:49 PM CST
Just another example of our inept city council who not paid attention to the pension fund issue for years. We worry about paving alleys and not our streets. (Continued…)
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