Politics & Government
City Briefs, Part 1: Council Opposes Tax District Changes
The council also hears about the Mayor's concern over the city's share of state income tax, recognizes the previous city attorney and approves a police budget change.
Here's a roundup of information shared at Monday night's Batavia City Council meeting:
City Council Takes Stand Against Tax District Changes
The Batavia City Council approved a resolution stating their opposition against any bill that would affect tax increment finance districts.
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In other words, the city is against letting taxing districts opt out of a tax increment finance district status because this gives less control to the city for related programs or initiatives tied to that title, according to memo by City Administrator Bill McGrath.
Metro West informed the city that the Illinois General Assembly is currently looking at bills that would significantly change tax financing statutes. These bills would impact the city’s current tax increment finance districts and their ability to move forward with the Streetscape project, the façade grant program and downtown improvement grants for installing sprinklers, McGrath said.
Find out what's happening in Bataviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Schielke voiced his concern over the state cutting out the city’s 10 percent cut of the state income tax. In Springfield many interest groups have thought about slashing the 10 percent local distribution fund from local government, he said. Many cities are dependent on this funding, Schielke said.
Last year, the city received $1.7 million from this state funding. Schielke will keep the community updated on this issue.
Council Recognizes Former City Attorney John Noble
The city council recognized former city attorney John Noble for his dedication to Batavia for 12 years. Noble helped the city update the city zoning ordinance, expand Randall Road, managed the liquor control ordinance and enhanced the city’s utilities.
He also helped form a partnership with surrounding communities’ attorneys to resolve emergency 911 communications and combining ambulance services.
Batavia Police Budget Amended
The Batavia City Council on Monday night voted in favor of amending the budget for the city’s police department contractual services to give the department an additional $43,000.
Since St. Charles disbanded from Tri-Com, the city has to respond to more calls in the east. This causes the Fire Protection District to redistribute its calls amongst the city’s fire and police department.
Check batavia.patch.com later today for the second part of our briefs roundup.
