The Peoria Heights Village Board has adopted a 2020 tax levy – payable in 2021 – of $1.06 million, fundamentally a cost-of-living increase over the previous year.
The 2.4 percent hike was unanimously approved at the Village Board meeting of Dec. 15. Village government’s portion of the levy was $521,248, while the Village library asked for $540,522.
Like many Illinois municipalities, the Heights represents a relatively small percentage of the total real estate tax bill, with sales tax revenues comprising the lion’s share of the village’s operating income. The Village’s current property tax rate is at right about 53 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation.
The decision to hold the line on property taxes was largely a concession to the pandemic-related realities of 2020, which has not been kind to the bottom lines of many residents and businesses. Village officials have worked hard the last few years to make operations more efficient, to build budget reserves and to put the Heights in a much stronger fiscal position that would allow it to withstand economic swings and downturns of the kind 2020 has produced.
Village leaders have tried to be especially sensitive this year to businesses that have suffered losses due to state-ordered COVID mitigation efforts.
Case in point is the current business relief program the Village is administering in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which puts up to $5,000 in the hands of local business owners for reimbursement of mortgage, lease and utility payments. As of Dec. 15, 17 businesses had been approved for more than $78,000, which the checks being distributed this very week. The application deadline has been extended until Dec. 28.
Earlier this year, the Village conducted a similar relief effort with local Business Development District funds, providing up to $1,500 for mortgage and lease assistance. Residents also were given a break on their water bills earlier in the year.
In other business, the Village Board approved the appointment of Robert Tenney to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Tessie Bucklar.
The board also learned that about 10 applications have been received for the fire chief position, with interviews set to begin soon. The Village hopes to launch a cadet program through the local school district in an effort to boost the ranks of the volunteer department.
Finally, with the last business meeting of 2020 now in the rear view mirror, Mayor Michael Phelan extended holiday wishes to all residents, with hopes for a better 2021.
“This has been a difficult year. I personally can’t wait to get to 2021,” he said. “I encourage you all, let’s watch out for our neighbors. There are people out there in need … Stay healthy and stay safe and God bless all of you.”