October 21, 2010
“River Forest will ask for a 1 percent increase to its sales tax in a referendum on Nov. 2. It's not a popular move in this election season, but it's the right one.
“Residents should cast a Yes vote.
“For a community mostly dependent on property taxes and all associated fees, this is the only way the village will meet its budget.
“The Village Board has already taken some aggressive measures to trim expenses, perhaps too much so. Crossing guards, for example, should have been retained. So another round of cuts does not bode well for police, fire and other essential personnel.
“We are confident that the village has done its best to pare down expenses, and we challenge anyone to come forward with realistic, line-item cuts to help meet a projected $1 million shortfall.
“River Forest needs a shot in the arm, and this sales tax increase to 9.5 percent -- exactly what you would pay in Oak Park or Elmwood Park -- is a step in the right direction.
“After that, village officials need to focus on economic development, finding and attracting the right mix of businesses that can sustain the village through housing crises and other economic downturns.”
“We urge you to approve the hike…
“River Forest is financially stressed. New revenues are essential. The sales take hike, which would just bring River Forest into balance with Oak Park's rate, would push this burden not onto River Forest taxpayers but onto anyone who shops locally.”