Downers Grove’s property tax levy could drop by 10 percent if a suggested storm water tax is approved, but homeowners could still end up paying more, Downers Grove officials said.
“If we do this it would likely result in a reduction in the village’s property taxes – we’re talking about a ten percent reduction,” said Village Manager Dave Fieldman, referring to the portion of property taxes paid to the village.
A 10 percent reduction for the owners of a $300,000 home would shave about $55 off the annual village property tax. Village officials estimate homeowners would pay $4.20 to 8.40 per month, an annual cost of up to $100, for the storm water utility.
That means some could pay more and some could pay less if the tax is implemented. Whether a property owner receives a net reduction or net increase depends on the value of their property and the size of areas that can’t absorb water, such as parking areas and roofs.
“That is correct,” said village spokesman Doug Kozlowski when asked about the potential for a net tax increase. “There are situations out there that would be like that.”
A formal proposal has yet to go before the village council, but a majority of commissioners indicated last fall they support the idea. Implementing the tax is also the first item on a list of village officials’ priorities for 2012.
The new tax would more equitably distribute the costs of storm sewers, culverts and detention ponds that keep flood waters at bay, a burden that currently falls heaviest on homeowners, according to a village consultant.
Businesses and non-profit entities like churches do not pay their fair share, according to a report on the consultant’s findings, though they often have large parking lots and roofs, which contribute significant amounts of water runoff.
Businesses and other properties with large parking lots would pay more, but the details of how much they would pay were not immediately available.
The village is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of storm sewers, roadway ditches, streams, ponds and wetlands.
Last year the village was subject to a county storm water investigation after a resident filed a complaint. Members of the county Storm Water Planning Committee did not vote to issue sanctions against Downers Grove and instead agreed to help the village work through residents’ concerns.
Nine other Illinois towns – Normal, Bloomington, Rantoul, Morton, Moline, Aurora, Highland Park, Rolling Meadows and Rock Island – have implemented a similar tax. A few others are exploring the option.
bslodysko@tribune.com
