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Now on Twitter!
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Follow Commissioner Goslin on Twitter to find out what he's been reading in the news and for live updates during County and Forest Preserve Board Meetings.
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Now on Facebook!
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Connect with Commissioner Goslin on Facebook and let him know what's on your mind!.
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Sales Tax Repeal Update:
Last week, the Illinois House voted 95-18 to lower the Cook County veto override requirement from 4/5ths to 3/5ths. This measure would pave the way for a repeal of the 1 percent sales tax increase--if you remember, in September the County Board was just one vote short of overriding President Stroger's veto of a partial tax repeal. The Illinois Senate, which will now debate the measure, has previously approved similar legislation.
In anticipation of the State's passage of this revised veto override requirement, I sponsored two amendments for a full and partial repeal of the sales tax increase, bringing the County sales tax to 1% and 1.25% respectively. The County Board referred these two amendments to the Finance Committee. If passed, the sales tax repeal would be in effect beginning July 1, 2010.
I have opposed the 1%
sales tax increase from the beginning, as I believe it is an undue burden upon County
taxpayers. I believe that with
aggressive stream-lining and increased professionalization of County operations,
enough savings can be realized to maintain County services without the increased
sales tax.
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Forest Preserve District Budget
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At the special meeting of the Forest Preserve Finance Committee this morning, President Stroger presented the fiscal year 2010 Executive Budget Recommendation for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
The proposed budget does not reduce any existing services or programs--it also does not increase fees of any kind. Additionally, for the second straight year, the Forest Preserve District will not raise its property tax levy.
The total proposed appropriation for FY2010 is $160.1 million. This includes:- $58.3 million District operating budget
- $14.8 million for Brookfield Zoo
- $9.3 million for the Chicago Botanic Garden
- $3.5 million for land management and restoration efforts.
- $3 million for the land acquisition fund
A variety of new projects and initiatives are already in the works for 2010. Some of the highlights:
- FPD iPhone Application- This application will allow users to not only locate forest preserves, but also to search amenities, photos and highlights regarding District holdings.
- Website Redesign - The new FPD website will add new features, including a search engine and enhanced video capabilities.
- "Green Fleet" - The District is in discussions regarding the possibility
of installing propane fuel conversion systems in a number of District
vehicles as part of a pilot program. Propane, in addition to burning
cleaner, also costs only a third of the price of gasoline.
- PocketCop - The Cook County Forest Preserve Police will
introduce PocketCop into its operations in 2010. PocketCop provides
criminal database queries, alarm capabilities and text messaging
to FPD officers, who will now have immediate access to
federal, state and local criminal databases.These smartphone devices will take the place of computers in police cars.
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Expediting Tax Bills
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Cook County homeowners
will be receiving their 2008 second installment property tax bills by Nov. 1, a month later than expected This late issuance of tax bills pushes back the due date to December 1st, 2009, which in turn makes it difficult for local taxing bodies to properly plan for and pay their bills.
Several County agencies share responsibilities for the tax bill process: the Assessor is in charge of setting property values, the Board of Review handles appeals, the Clerk sets rates and the Treasurer sends and collects the bills.
In the interest of expediting the processing of tax bills, I sponsored a Resolution Convening an Inquiry into the Late Issuance of Real Estate Tax Bills. The resolution creates an administrative commission to determine ways in which agencies might better cooperate and adapt procedures and technology to expedite and integrate the assessment, property tax bill calculation, formatting, printing, mailing, collection and appeals process. This resolution was approved.
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In the District
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Palatine Township
Approved application for variation to increase height
of fence in front yard from 3 feet to 4 feet for a fence in the R-4
Single Family Residence District. The subject property consists
of approximately 0.89 of an acre, located on the east side of Wedgewood
Drive, approximately 500 feet north of Hillside Road
Wheeling Township
Approved Highway
Authority Agreement along with a Supplemental Agreement with BP
Products North America, Inc. for Hintz
Road at Elmhurst Road (IL 83) (995 Elmhurst Road) in
the Village of Wheeling
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Let's
have a conversation! As always, feel free to
reply to this newsletter, send me an email or give me a call about any
Cook County issue.
Sincerely,
Gregg Goslin, Commissioner
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