Sugar Grove residents say no new taxes

Sugar Grove area voters sent a strong message to officials Tuesday regarding expansion of services: not if it means new taxes.

Voters turned down requests from both the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District and the Sugar Grove Public Library District for tax hikes. Had the increases been approved, the combined effect on the owner of a home valued at $250,000 would have meant about $200 more per year in property taxes. Some homeowners in this area light on industry already feel overburdened.

In unofficial results, 4,903 (62 percent) voted against an increase in the library's operating budget, 2,692 voted for it.

The fire protection district didn't fare much better. Voters nixed a request to raise the district's tax rate by a margin of 4,338 (59 percent) to 2,782.

The fire department wanted the additional funding to build two new stations and reduce response times within the district's 34 square miles. Those plans will have to be shelved.

"We are fortunate because we have experienced tremendous community support," said Deputy Chief David Adler. "But from what we're hearing it's a timing issue. Right now, people are very concerned about their retirement, their homes and their jobs."

While construction of a new $8 million library is under way, the library district is concerned about adequate staffing. Voters approved building the new library in 2004, but they have turned down the request for an increase in the operating budget eight times.

"It's disappointing, but understandable in terms of people's concerns and their impression of the economy," said Library Director Beverly Holmes Hughes. "It will be difficult to stretch the dollars in a way that will be appropriate for the new library and what I expect to be an increase in a demand for services."

The library is open 47 hours a week. Hughes said that no changes in hours, programs or staffing would be made until July, shortly before the new facility opens in the fall 2009.

"I anticipate that we will have a conversation with the community and start the new schedule from scratch," Hughes said. "Hours will be based on input we get from surveys."

Village President Sean Michels called the voting results "unfortunate."

"Apparently residents are feeling the pinch of the economy," Michels said.

"The village is doing what it can to bring in commercial development in order to diversify, and not rely solely on real estate taxes to keep paying for all these new services."

Both Adler and Hughes said it is too early to determine if the referendums will again be placed on the ballot at the April consolidated election.