(75 ILCS 16/10-60)
Sec. 10-60.
Home rule unit library; reduction of tax levy.
If a tax
supported public library of a home rule unit, as defined in Article VII,
Section 6, of the Illinois Constitution, converts to a public library district
under this Article, that home rule unit, for the year following the year of
conversion, shall reduce its property tax levy by the amount levied by the home
rule unit for the most recent year before the conversion.
(Source: P.A. 87-1277.)
54 comments:
Olgesby getting a grocery store- Sullivan's. This will have an impact of some sort on peru. Congrats Olgesby, your mayor is working for you.
Sullivans is building in Spring Valley and should be open late in 2014 and Oglesby will be getting a supermarket, believe the name is Country Market and will maybe open in 2014 or early 2015. Land has been purchased in both situations.
Yes Congratulations to both cities.
That is true. However, after they reduce the tax (i.e. remove the library portion of the levy) they can raise it for other reasons... maybe fire or police protection.
Which is exactly what they probably want to do 4:30. They surely don't want to save citizens money by eliminating a levy. They will just allocate it to another entity.
I was just catching up on reading these blogs from the previous couple months. Wow, payroll issues. Wow, perus mayor appointed a person for a combination if positions at $84,000 annual salary. I went the the
City's site and look at the department for building and zoning. I did see a list of items where one would need a permit and codes need to be followed. My question is has this person that Harl appointed ever built a Inground pool? Built a room addition? Built a shed? Any professional cement work? Done plumbing?(if so, how extensive?), Electrical Work to what extent? ETC... How can this persons credentials be validated? I encourage everybody to look at the city's website regarding this and contact the mayor and their alderman as to why they allowed this person to get the job. Better yet, also, call Mr. Jeff King. I'm going to read more blogs and I will give my opinion on this Forum as to other issues. I haven't been on this forum like I said for a while.
Lois, so if I'm reading this correctly, the levy would decrease by the $470,000 that is to go to the library. So our real estate tax bills would go down. Then if the library becomes a district, it would receive tax revenue on its own. So how is that amount determined?
7:52 the library would become its own taxing body I believe with its own levee. The board would then be elected not appointed, similar to a school district.
Lois who is saying it would receive the same money?
8:59 pm, You are correct. Which means the Library would continue to levy taxes on the local property owners so your tax bills will not decrease one bit. The reason city officials (Hylla) have re-ignited the venom towards the Library is purely political as you would expect in Peru. Here is what is hppening behind the scenes. Police Chief Bernabei wants them to build a massive new "Public Safety Complex" which will be designed to house Police and Fire services somewhere in north Peru. They know they cannot openly endorse an additional tax increase and expect to maintain their phony-baloney elected jobs if they enact an additional "Public Safety Tax", so they are trying to force the Library away from any city affiliation so they can claim that Peru taxes will remain low. They can't do that unless they convince the Library to become its own taxing body. Purely political and phony rhetoric like Hylla recently telling the newspaper, we are "hamstrung" by the Library tax levy. Peru elected officials are doing what they have always done. Sneaking around an issue in order to protect themselves politically instead of being open and honest about their intentions. They won't even mention their intention to build this "public safety facility" until they have completed all their back-room deals. By then it will be much too late for any public participation or intervention in the process.
They are so obvious in their covert dealings it is an insult to all honest citizens in Peru.
Bottom line - crating another taxing district will not lower the tax paid by property owners. It will most likely INCREASE the tax paid since, at a minimum, the new taxing district (Library District) will need additional accounting and administrative services. Although the City may be required to lower the levy by the amount they currently give to the library, don't count on that lasting beyond one year. They (the City) will find a reason to increase the levy back to the historic dollar value and use the money for something else.
For many years or even decades, Peru has taken the path to use sales tax to fund almost all city services. I believe the current administration has stretched this to the maximum extent possible without a drastic uptick in the economy. Now, with generous union contracts and crumbling infrastructure, it appears to me that they are at least considering a property tax increase to bolster the city coffers. By divorcing themselves from the library, they can say they did not raise taxes - at least technically.
In the meantime, the City (Mayor and Council) REFUSE to examine methods to economize. The duplication of services in the Illinois Valley area is proverbial "low hanging fruit." We don't need three fire departments, three police departments, three public works departments, three water departments, three electric departments, etc., etc.
10:09, I agree with you. Why do you think the airport is made of such a big deal by Harl and this administration? Getting ducks in a row for a full-time fire department. Why do you think Harl recently hired a $84,000 salary to a person he appointed for a combination of jobs? No application process happened with this. Yes, this person who Harl appointed donates personally to Harls campaign fund. No population growth so to speak. Imagine the cost with this? Imagine the application process if this would be to happen? Peru is not going to be a place where people can afford to live. Where are the jobs in the illinois valley? Peru needs a new honest mayor. The sooner the better.
If the community decides we need a full time fire department, then we need to fight tooth and nail to hire talent from outside the Illinois Valley or even outside Illinois to manage it.
Taxpayers and persons who pay attention can figure out what the city is looking to do. Is it a want or a need? 10:09, I don't see a new police station/fire station as a need in the future at the rate of how things are going. This would be a want by the two people that Harl appointed, being the two chiefs of the PD-FD, so they would ask for a higher salary in my view. As far as the fire department, they don't have too many fire calls as I've been told. The fire chief probably would like to have his buddies become full-time firefighters that sit at the station eating, smoking and chatting 24/7 waiting for a call. Peru is not moline, Chicago, aurora, Bloomington!, Joliet, Tinley park. At least the police officers are doing something when they're on the clock. 10:09, peru better have some major changes in businesses coming to peru, housing being built in order for what you mentioned above to happen. People want big things to happen on their watch so they can get credit for it. They want celebrity status. Maybe all those people should go to Hollywood.
Scott Harls greatest problem is that he sits in the highest administrative city government position of Peru but all his efforts in this seat have been a attempt to be a union leader.
This mind set has not and never will benefit Peru. Sad to say his 2d term has 3 1/2 years remaining. 4 1/2 years in office Harl should be accumulating respect as Mayor which he is not therefor hindering the citys further advancement. The best thing Harl can do after the investigation is complete, no matter what decision is reached is to resign.
The position of perus fire chief should go back to the way it was as a part-time paid position, with also that person being paid for each fire call they will go on! Wasn't both those salaries approx. $14.000-$16,000 per year with no benefits???? Compared to $84,000 a year with benefits, Of course Harl appointed several positions to the person he appointed to throw taxpayers off as to why the salary was set at $84,000+ Why didn't the alderman question this and look at the financial aspect to the city. Why didn't the alderman look at the qualifications of the building/zoning officer that Harl appointed. Too many unanswered questions. And Harl said he's looking at this because of his frugality. What a joke that is, is he really serious? We're not STUPID!
12:44, this is 10:09. Look at the post again. I'm advocating the consolidation of city services... turning 3 departments (Peru, LaSalle and Oglesby) into one. This will increase the manpower, but decrease the management and administrative overhead. Better yet, if we consolidate Peru, LaSalle, and Oglesby into one city - we will be the largest city in the county and the largest city between Peoria and Rockford (north and south) and Moline and Joliet (east and west).
Anon 2:32 I hear myself. For a long time I have been advocating the same combination of area cities. I have even explored the inclusion of Spring Valley and Dalzell with LaSalle, Peru and Oglesby. If someone was hired to perform a cost analysis of this combination, administrative and equipment, and all other expenses saved I am sure every one of these small cities would function on less taxes. Think of the increased buying power because of larger quantities purchases at less price.
2:32, consolidation of services in my opinion is not going to happen . That being my opinion, the city should be looking at each department in ways to save the city and taxpayers money. This is not 12:44 blogging 10:08, I'm participating on this town forum and blogsite. I like the consolidation idea, but let's get real, Peru has somewhat a better then thou attitude towards surrounding communities. Peru would rather raise taxes and be independent then to save money and consolidate. We need a new mayor with an open and honest mindset. Sad, but true.
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/Police-seize-plane-carrying-175000-worth-of-marijuana-235418841.html
Small plane bringing marijuana into Peoria. Do we have a concern here in Peru?
Small planes being used to transport drugs is nothing new. Or boats on rivers if you think about it.
I wonder if all those busts on I-80 in the summer are just a smoke screen for boats on the river carrying the serious cargo.
Is there a log recording all flights in and out of the Peru airport? Is there proof that this airport is not being used to transport drugs?
What form of professional security is utilized at the Peru airport and how often is it used?
What hours does the airport allow flights to land and depart? Does the airport have staffing present during these hours?
How often does law enforcement inspect incoming flights at the Peru Airport? It is known that they use canine at schools and private cars but I have never heard of them being utilized at the airport. WHY?
10:30 - So you want to suspend the constituion at Peru's airport? The last time I checked, nobody needs to prove they have not or are not committing a crime. On what grounds would you have the police inspect inbound aircraft? Remember what Franklin said, "people willing to give up freedom in exchange for security deserve neither." You also may benefit from the writings of Milton Friedman. "Every friend of freedom must be as revolted as I am by the prospect of turning the United States into an armed camp, by the vision of jails filled with casual drug users and of an army of enforcers empowered to invade the liberty of citizens on slight evidence."
10:30, I wonder if they log your cell phone calls, "just in case."
Any form of transportation is a way to transport drugs. Common sense.
10:30 Security as you described is not used at any airport the size of Peru.that is why they are a preferred method of transport for money laundering and drugs, according to the Chicago Tribune article Lois often mentions. I believe a log of flights is kept.
I know from personal experience that occasionally Peru PD stations a car overnights to question any incoming cars. Don't know if they are involved in what occurs on the Tarmac.
There are , in my opinion only, an unusual number of late night flights for an airport this size. I am sure the logs could be requested under FOIA as it is a government facility.
Your questions should be posed to the Chief of Police, and to candidates during election for their comments on the record. An analysis of flights could determine the net value of having an airport. I contend it is primarily a recreational airport.
A regional airport is necessary for continued growth. O'Hare and Midway are also mostly for recreation... recreational travel. And all this hubbub over drugs is just that, hubbub. Why don't we just set up a road block and ask everyone on I-80 why they are traveling at night. The drug enforcement activities in this area have one goal and one goal only. Confiscate cash in order to purchase new equipment and pay salaries for more drug enforcement activates so they can confiscate more cash. The goal is not public safety. In fact, by stationing an officer at the airport to check on inbound flights we are actually endangering the public. The officer should be patrolling neighborhoods and commercial areas to prevent actual crime.
To many who make comments, not all, I must tell you that it is a good thing that George Washington did not have your limited attitude. If he did most likely this country would have been defeated before we ever had our 1st President.
Many of you look for a reason why we can't rather than why we should and will!
Believe me, many times in life you have to overcome challenges to maintain and improve but it is worth it. To have the mindset that why should someone want to change things, why don't they leave situations status quo, why are they making a effort to get me involved? I don't want to upset the apple cart right now and why am I always too late to have any affect on how I really feel. Hell, it is alot easier to complain tomorrow rather than join in and start a change today. At best this attitude allows a stagnant situation. A situation in which there is no advancement.
At this time I would like to congradulate all involved in the effort to modernize and improve our present city council in much needed representation and fair judgement and above all in offering a means in which more interested and qualified individuals can become active and accountable in Peru government.
Specifically these are the people who have come to your door asking you to sign a petition to change council representation to 1 alderman/ward and 2 alderman at large. Please help them enable Peru to be a leader in government innovation of LaSalle County.
Alderman have to go...everyone in the country got higher deductibles and higher premiums but not city employees they got a rate cut..self insured is costly when you have exposure to major medical costs. Peru the leader of poor cities.
1:00 PM
Thank you for your comment. Change is seldom easy even when it is the right thing to do. I ask the residents of Peru to put aside your personal feelings (I like my alderman) and think of this as a much needed benefit to everyone. Those who have been attending committee and council meetings for years see the need for change and we hope that those who have not will give the new representation a chance. This petition only allows it to be put up for referendum and then you will have until March to consider how you will vote.
9:28 How do you support your statement? Why is this regional airport necessary for continued growth? Because it sounds good? This is not a regional airport. And you cannot twist those major hub area airports into being a recreational airport. By recreation we mean pilots flying for their own enjoyment, using their own planes.
They provide very little but nuisance to the area.
The business needs of the area are well served by close major airports. There is no need. Like most things around here, some people WANT it, they have clout, and most importantly it is the way it's always been.
The reason the airport may be guarded may have as much to do with keeping curious people out as preventing crime. We don't know.
What we do know for a certainty is that this area is a hotbed for illegal gambling. Always has been. So by default, our police must turn a blind eye to many gambling activities. It is not an unreasonable stretch to guess they must protect a money transport facility.
Conspiracy theory? Hardly. Just is a plausible reason that late flights occur, gambling is rampant and not enforced, and the city clings to this airport like glue... Even when it has no economic benefit and loses money.
To 1:00. This city has no future leaders. Only future electorates to take the place of the current administration. Positive change will never happen unless the system changes.
7:36pm-
I'm sorry you feel so negatively about the Peru airport. Years ago there was a perceived need for air transit into and out of the Illinois valley. One mayor, don baker, felt strongly enough to pursue this avenue. The remaining communties and counties would not allocate funds for this endeavor. Since that time, several manufacturers have located in peru and provided jobs to local residents. It seems your view is that the airport has nothing to do with the manufacturing development in Peru. My view is, very respectfully, history has proven you wrong. Thank you.
Oh Boy... I think I saw Michael Corleone getting out of a Cessna. He was dressed for deer hunting but kept mumbling something about a meeting to set up a commission to break up the Illinois Valley between the five families.
Get real 7:36. The State of Illinois effectively took over all the gambling in the area. Since the slot machines came in, sports tickets and pull tabs are difficult to get. Bar owners with the machines won't risk it. The over 65 crowd is the only thing feeding the reminder of establishements selling the tickets.
But.... since providing a place for airplanes to land is not a core function of governement, I do believe the airport needs to stand on its own as a private entitiy. We should stop funding it immediately and either let it break off on its own or just let it shut down. No sense continuing to pump money down that money pit.
8:31pm- you say the City has no future leaders. The beauty of America is that leaders are born everyday. There are many young people who can and will lead the city into the future. Some day when I am old and feeble I will look at the leaders of Peru and feel optimistic for this wonderful city. I'm sorry you have given up on your community. There is infinite potential and some young person will find the potential despite your negative attitude.
To 10:44. There will be young people to fill the shoes of those currently in power, sure, but the same thing has been said throughout the years as the old ones go and the new ones come in. It's the usual corruption, usual bs that flows through the cities veins. It's not what you know, but who you know, and it will always be a buddy system that gets passed on. I'm sorry you feel that you need to be old and feeble to feel optimistic, who knows how old you are, that could be years and years from now. In any case, the "leaders" don't want you to listen, they want you to obey, and the area does have infinite potential, but progress won't come from city hall.
10:16 you use two non correlated events to support an airport whose utilization is over 80 percent private recreational. The few additional industries added had little or nothing to do with an airport. The ONLY industries that benefit from it are those who have corporate jet service.
No one disputes that it serves a few local companies. But it attracts no new major industries with major air service limo rides away. You can get to Rockford or Moline in about an hour, the same time many suburb to Midway trips take.
I am not negative. I am realistic.
Has anyone seen my brother Sly Scott around? I usually see him about town a lot has he gone into hiding in the bunker already?
The airport is good but we must work harder to attract jobs to the area, Ottawa has done that better than us in part to having a full time FIre Department and better public works infrastructure.
We can fix Peru and it can be leader of Valley again. People like Harl, Vickrey and such need to back away the damage is already enough
I believe that Mayor Bakers one evident failure as Mayor, which incidentally was caused by 44 continuous years in office, is that he never developed anyone to replace him and this is the reason we have what we have today.
No one has given up on Peru nor is confined to a simple negative attitude but are looking at the present political scene with a positive idea of we must do better in the future.
Peru for the 1st time in years has a independent group of citizens who are functioning as unpaid volunters who are making a huge effort to update the cities political structure. They are interested in taking the present structure of 4 wards with 2 alderman from each ward to a structure which consist of 4 wards with 1 alderman/ward and 2 at large aldermen.
To those who aspire to become politically involved this group and its ideas would be a great political beginning. To those who are interested in Peru but do not care to personally become involved but know someone who would like to become personally involved please inform them of this group. The group presently has active membership of all ages and its one common goal is Peru. It not only is open to join but those involved have extensive political knowledge which will prepare and supprort all who show a desire to become politically active.
This is a invitation to become involved from the ground up.
7:29, read the blogs pertaining to the Christmas Parade.
The only business the current administration wishes to attract are ones that collect sales tax. They are not actively trying to attract or expand any business that provides quality jobs (warehousing & transportation, manufacturing, process (chemicals and food), etc. Unless we all want to work the checkout counter, we need to attract some more heavy industry to this area. And yes - we absolutely need to take advantage of the current need for silica sand in the oil and gas business.
Superintendent/Engineer Mikos resigns effective 12/31/13 ?? I heard that at the coffee club yesterday.
I wouldn't want any part of the investigation either. You know Slick Scott is throwing everyone under the bus!
Maybe he does not want any part of an unprofessional organization.
Yup...the Daily dissapointment broke the news today. Latest and greatest has resigned. NO REASON given...big surprise.
A resignation. Are the mosquitoes still biting? The Christmas parade blogs are very interesting. Normally I wouldn't read the blogs pertaining to that type of topic. After reading those I will become more vigilant in my readings. I was shocked. I'm also beginning to look differently at city departments heads. Insurance liabilities came to my attention.
Just because a person resigns doesn't mean they still won't be part of an investigation. When will we get an update on the status of the investigation regarding payroll?
We will never get an answer . Never get an honest answer that is. They want it swept under the rug. And nothing will be done about it.
I don't see this in the on-line paper.
maybe the township would like more of the cities castoffs - being that they had/have 2 already!!
I agree 11:47. This was the individual who (I assume) did the right thing and bring this forward yet he is the first one to submit resignation papers. Sounds fishy
The wrong guy resigned. It should have been the guy who did wrong, the mayor who resigned.
To those complaining that we haven't attracted any new industry with jobs for the area, have you ever considered what CEO would ever want to build here when he/she sees that large inflatable rat? Intelligent people don't want to be told who to hire and what to pay. That's why companies are moving to areas where they won't be bullied.
Interesting Christmas parade blogs. All should read
If you want to read Christmas parade blog type it in at the top of the page. There are recent posts there that should be read by everyone.
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