Mundelein doesn't need tax increase

Property taxpayers in Mundelein need to be aware that the Mundelein Village Board is planning to raise real estate tax collection next year by a total of $468,878.

With multiple sources of revenue at hand other than real estate tax, I view an increase in the property tax levy by the village to be unnecessary if not outrageous.

Property taxes in Mundelein are unbearable by many and are one of the main reasons our home values are stagnant and business development has stalled.

An increase in property tax is new to the Mundelein board. Why the change? Well, after many years of fiscal restraint, three members of the board retired after a combined 34 years of service. I was one of those retiring members and served eight of my 16 years on the board as chairman of its finance committee.

Now Mundelein has a relatively inexperienced board of trustees and, at this time, the majority have been convinced that this increase is needed. I say they are wrong.

Twenty years ago, Mundelein's tax rate was one half what it is now and the assessed value that rate was applied to was far less.

Also, since that time, Mundelein has added a home rule sales tax, a hotel-motel tax, a telecommunication tax, a landlord registration tax and others in order to avoid increases in the real estate tax.

Fees have been raised substantially along with rates for water and sewer service.

I believe the Village of Mundelein has adequate sources of revenue to provide excellent public services to its residents. Mundelein does not need to increase the real estate taxes of its homeowners and businesses. Mundelein residents concerned about their real estate taxes can share their thoughts the village board at a public tax levy hearing at the Village Hall on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Ed Sullivan

Mundelein