For Immediate Release                                                       
Contact:  Jason Gerwig                                       
February 12, 2008                                                                               

SCHILLERSTROM CALLS ON BOARD TO ABATE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; LAYS OUT FRAMEWORK FOR REVISED COUNTY BUDGET

WHEATON – DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom called on the DuPage County Board to abate the increase in the property tax levy, which was passed last November as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

Schillerstrom made his announcement during Tuesday’s County Board meeting in which he laid out the basic parameters for the framework of an amended Fiscal Year 2008 budget, which will meet the purposes of the County’s new revenue source.

“Passage of the RTA Act means we have the opportunity to fund our critical public safety and human service agencies, prevent layoffs and continue our efforts to ease traffic congestion,” said Schillerstrom.  “In short, we can avert a public safety crisis, and take steps to prevent future crises.” 

It is estimated that the County will receive roughly half of the projected revenue from the RTA quarter cent sales tax this year.  Schillerstrom stated that the County’s most immediate action will be to rescind the proposed layoffs and critical program reductions scheduled to take place on February 15^th.  This will ensure the County’s public safety and human service agencies have the tools they need to serve the public.

Schillerstrom also believes that with this new revenue source secured, any additional tax burden on DuPage County residents is simply unnecessary. 

“We must not put this entire burden on the taxpayer,” announced Schillerstrom.  “To that end, and in consultation with State Senators Kirk Dillard, Dan Cronin and John Milner, who were instrumental in helping us secure this revenue, I would encourage the County Board to abate the increase in the property tax levy passed last year.” 

For more information on DuPage County, please visit www.dupageco.org. 

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