Take two: Freeport aldermen proposing smaller sales tax hike to fix roads

After a proposed 1% sales tax increase to repair Freeport roads failed 2-5, two city aldermen are proposing a .75% sales tax increase alternative.

The proposal will be discussed and possibly voted on Monday at a special City Council meeting.

Under the new proposal, all of the money collected from the .75% tax hike, about $2.625 million, would go toward road improvements and other infrastructure projects but not to public works salaries.

Aldermen James Monroe, who voted against the 1% sales tax hike, and Donald Parker, who was absent due to illness, are proposing the revision.

Monroe said, "If they want $3.5 million and they want to figure out how to increase the wages or salaries of those who work in the public works department, then you know, we need to find it elsewhere."

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Monroe also said the tax hike would not be automatically renewed. Instead, it would be in effect for two years and could only be renewed by referendum.

"I'm trying to work with my counterparts across the aisle," he said. "After two years, this would go to the citizens of Freeport to see if this continues. Have we done what we said we would do with the money? If we have, then that vote is easy.

"Quite frankly, even though we are home rule, any tax increase should go to a referendum in my opinion. We've got to make sure that we're holding public officials accountable."

Parker said he understands the city's desire to boost the wages of its public works employees and likely would have voted in favor of the 1% sales tax increase.

"We get a good worker, and then the private companies are hiring them at about twice to what we can pay," he said. "So, a little raise wouldn't hurt."

Parker also called the city's roads a "disaster."

"That's the number one complaint I get in town, and I have to agree," he said. "I drive the roads and sometimes I ride my scooter, and it's not safe because there are so many damn potholes."

Under the previous proposal, the 1% tax increase would be a sustainable funding source generating an estimated $3.5 million to help the city improve its 139 miles of roadway, make utility improvements such as water mains, sanitary lining and manhole rehabilitation, and 20% of the funding would go toward public work wages to help the city retain its skilled workforce.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Freeport aldermen want to revisit sales tax proposal to fix roads