Sewer benefit tax criticized
Former alderman Cliff Singer addressed
the Urbana City Council on Monday night regarding the city's sewer
benefit tax. The tax was instituted more than 20 years ago in order
to eliminate the need for special assessment costs.
"It is an extremely inefficient tax," Singer said. He claimed that
the city spends more than 20% of the tax money on the actual costs
of levying the tax, such as postage and prosecuting delinquencies,
which is done by the city attorney. "If Urbana eliminates the tax,
Champaign will probably follow," he said.
In other council news:
• The city of Urbana received an
award in recognition of its support to senior citizens providing volunteer
services within the community.
• The council made a motion to carry
three ordinances concerning property tax levies for the next fiscal
year. There was no debate on the ordinances.
• A request for a major zoning variance
by Carle Hospital was deferred for two weeks. The request was for
the extension of an existing parking lot at 810 W. Anthony Drive.
Questions were raised concerning the extent of need for the zoning
variance. "If someone wants more parking, big deal. I'm concerned
about the precedent we set," said Ward 2 Alderwoman Ruth Wyman. The
council will vote on the issue in two weeks. |
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