Potluck Blog turns to tax talk

In a 5-4 vote recently, the Naperville City Council agreed to raise the property tax rate from 0.7167 percent to 0.7367 percent.

The city has in the past approved a property tax rate increase and then lowered it when assessments are released, and officials claim the same thing will happen this time. The city plans to collect more than $50.6 million in property taxes next year and only approved the higher rate in case assessments fall, to ensure city services are funded.

Even so, some taxpayers are bound to be skeptical, and in a time when a lot of families have less money than ever before, the prospect of paying more to the city will not sit well.

With that in mind, The Sun asked readers of its Potluck Blog what they think of the move. Here are some of their responses.

"I can't believe the City Council voted to raise taxes at this time. Unbelievable! The article fails to highlight the fact that although some services were cut at the library and Naper Settlement, pensions are increasing. Most of the people in this community do not have pensions. Why should I pay for the pensions of others? Pensions are bankrupting the country! Thank you City Council for raising my taxes again and making it impossible for me to stay in Naperville or sell my home. I am just sick about this." -- Anonymous

"OK, I've always believed that raising taxes is all these stuffed shirts know how to do. No surprise here!" -- Denny

"Same old same old. I object because like all politicians, ours here in Naperville don't have the intestinal fortitude to actually make real changes during these turbulent times. It is easier to tax us more than to actually make real, hurting, yet necessary cuts. Our city's growth is stagnant. We are losing major employers (really, how much longer will Alcatel be here at all?). Why is the city's planning group still so large? Why is the group of inspectors, etc., still so large? All our fiddling councilmen want to do is ignore reality and hear a sassy tune!" -- Epi-nonymous

"Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said, 'I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization.' It is a slippery slope ... for me it's about principle ... why look outside before looking inside ... there is a lot of room to cut staff and programs before asking the taxpayers to foot the bill regardless how small that amount may be. This is also not the end, it's just the beginning ... the council is looking at creating a sales tax as well as raising the gas tax in Naperville. When will it end?" -- Kevin

"The big test will be the levy ordinance that they have to adopt by the second Tuesday in December. That is what is actually going to drive the tax bills and tax rate. What they did was set the allowable parameters for that ordinance. If they adopt (or even propose) a levy ordinance that has been inflated beyond the budget and/or cuts that have been approved, then they have breached their relationship with the taxpayers. If you don't go to the hearing and voice your opinions, don't complain when the tax bills hit your mailboxes in May." -- Experienced

"Taxes, taxes, taxes!!!! What is wrong with the city? Most of us have had to cut back in one way or another, but not the city. What a bunch of arrogant clowns. If services have to be cut, then cut like everyone else. I wish I could go to my boss and increase my wages due to rising costs. Not!" -- Mr. 77

What do you think? Comment at www.napersun.com/potluck.