Friday, September 11, 2009

MFPD "Mourning" Notice

Did you notice the solid, black-bordered “mourning” announcement of the Marengo Fire Protection District (MFPD) in this morning’s Northwest Herald on Page 5C?

On Monday, September 21, 2009, at 6:00PM, the MFPD will hold a public hearing at 120 East Prairie Street, Marengo, to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the 2009-2010 fiscal year that began May 1, 2009. Note that the hearing is "to approve", not to discuss or consider the increase. Look out, taxpayers.

Instructions include giving notice to the Secretary of the MFPD of intention to appear and present testimony to the MFPD. If you wish to appear and comment, call 815.568.6912 and let Walter J. Butenschoen know that you’ll be there.

The MFPD would like to levy a 15.00% increase in proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes for 2009-2010. They would like to raise these (your!) taxes from $784,284 to $901,927, an increase of $117,643.

If you wonder how they will use the extra $117,674 and why they want it now, go to the meeting. Support the increase, if that’s what you want. If you don’t, say so. Loudly. It wouldn't hurt to lobby those you have elected to the District in advance. Get to them before they get to the meeting. Call the MFPD for names and contact information.

You might want to ask for an explanation of “extended or abated”. Just what does that mean? Will you taxes go up now? Or, if not now, when?

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