|
Now on Twitter!
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
Now on Facebook!
|
 |
|
Connect with Commissioner Goslin on Facebook and let him know what's on your mind!.
|
|
|
Sales Tax Repeal Update: Successful Veto Override
|
Today 12 Commissioners successfully voted to override President Stroger's veto of the 0.5% sales tax reduction. Effective July 1, 2010, the Cook County sales tax will be reduced from 1.75% to 1.25%. This sales tax reduction is already accounted for in the FY2010 budget.
I have opposed the 1%
sales tax increase from the beginning, as I believe it is an undue burden on County
taxpayers. This regressive tax adds an especially onerous burden to
residents in the 14th District, as we border three other
counties, putting local jobs and businesses at risk.
In the coming year I intend to lay the groundwork for reducing the sales tax another 0.5%
to complete the repeal of President Stroger's one-point tax increase.
I will be introducing proposals to improve efficiency and reduce the
County's monetary obligations, including proposals to consolidate
Information Technology functions into a single department and convert
the County pension system from a defined benefit to a defined
contribution plan.
|
Neighborhood Stabilization Program Quarterly Reports
|
As a part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), Cook County received a grant of $28,156,321 for the first phase of the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The Department of Planning and Development will distribute these funds to over 30 micro-enterprises (organizations, community groups, etc) throughout suburban Cook County to carry out the intent of HERA.
NSP grant recipients develop their own programs and funding priorities, with the requirement that
at least 25% of funds be used for the purchase and
redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes or residential
properties that will be used to house individuals or families whose
incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the area median income.
In order to ensure that the distributed funds are being properly expended, I sponsored a resolution requesting that the Department of Planning and Development issue quarterly reports detailing how NSP funds are being spent by the recipients. Additionally, the resolution directs the Department of Planning and Development to look into setting aside funds for first responders for Phase II of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, as was done in DeKalb County, Georgia in their much lauded NSP program, called "Officer Next Door".
|
Renewal of Property Tax Incentives
|
This morning the County Board
passed a five-year renewal of the Property Tax Incentives that were scheduled
to expire December 31, 2009. These incentives, mainly for industrial and
commercial businesses, provide eligible properties an assessment reduction for
one of the following: new construction; substantial re-occupation of abandoned
property; or substantial rehabilitation.
The Property Tax Incentives are
an important program in spurring economic development for areas across the
County and these incentives provide valuable support for business expansion
within Cook County. In turn, businesses are not only
constructing new buildings, rehabilitating and reoccupying old buildings but
they are also increasing the real property tax base and providing a higher
probability of increased business activities and possible future developments.
|
In the District
|
Approved change in plans and extra work on (Old) Plum Grove Road, Algonquin Road to Meacham Road in the City of
Rolling Meadows and the Village of Schaumburg. Adjustment of quantities and new items: $607,640.59
(Deduction).
Approved variation to reduce left side yard setback from
15 feet to 7 feet (existing detached garage) to bring property into
compliance in the R-5 Single Family Residence District. The subject
property consists of approximately 0.23 of an acre, located on the north
side of Linneman Avenue, approximately 225.13 feet west of Huber Lane
in Northfield Township.
Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals a new application seeking a Special Use, Unique Use in the R-4 Single Family
Residence District to operate a landscaping business and snow removal/plowing
business including an office and the storage of landscaping vehicles
and equipment in existing barn and garage. Property consists of approximately 1.61 of an acre located
on the northwest corner of Highland Road and Pfingsten Road in Northfield
Township. Intended use: To operate a landscaping business
which shall include snow removal/plowing.
|
|
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
|
|
|
