As the deadline for the adoption of the Evanston City Budget looms, aldermen tried to wrap up debate at Monday’s public hearing of the proposed $181,711,265 budget.

Although the Evanston City Council can amend the budget throughout the year, state law requires the city to adopt some form of the 2006-2007 budget by February 28. Aldermen plan to finish the process at the City Council meeting on February 27. Throughout the four weeks of discussion, aldermen and residents have considered a series of key issues.

Fighting an Increase in Property Taxes

The proposed budget recommends nearly a seven percent increase in the city’s portion of the property tax. The increase would raise a homeowner’s total property tax bill by about 1.5 percent. Aldermen and the mayor have looked for a way to avoid such a large hike but have not agreed on any cuts in the budget.

“It’s good politics to pretend you’re upset about taxes and then quietly turn around and raise them.” – Junad Rizki, Evanston Resident

“It’s the minimum I felt we could get by with.” – Julia Carroll, Evanston City Manager

Introducing a Food and Beverage Tax

Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) proposed a new 2 percent food and beverage tax on restaurants. Aldermen debated whether such a tax should be accompanied by a decrease in the current 6 percent poured liquor tax. Some aldermen said they worried about the effects such a tax would pose on Evanston’s lucrative restaurant industry.

“(Restaurants) are our golden goose. They already pay every tax, every fee, and twice the property tax.” – Ald. Steven Bernstein (4th)

“I don’t believe anybody who can afford four dollars for a cup of coffee cannot afford a two percent food and beverage tax.” – Ald. Ann Rainey (8th)

Opening Beaches to Low-Income Families

In an attempt to extend access to Evanston beaches to more low-income families, aldermen discussed free beach days and free season tokens. The Human Services Committee recommended offering a pool of 500 tokens for Evanston social service agencies to distribute.

“I see many kids every year who don’t have access and treat it as sour grapes. It’s a travesty that at present we have one beach and one free day.” – Sandra Hill, Director of Family Focus in Evanston

Avoiding Cuts in Mental Health Services

The proposed budget recommended a 10 percent cut to funds for the Evanston Mental Health Board’s contributions to social service agencies. Aldermen quickly rejected the cut when board members said they needed more, not less, money to operate.

“Every dollar is needed and every dollar is used to benefit Evanston citizens.” – Susan Canter, Chairwoman of the Evanston Mental Health Board

Consolidating Youth Services

The Evanston City Council said they wanted city staff to find a way to organize all youth services into a single place. The services currently span four departments. The city considered hiring a consultant, but aldermen wanted to use city staff to avoid increasing bureaucracy.

“We need some unit to be responsible for the deliverables.” – Ald. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (2nd)

“We are getting consultant-crazy. They are going to be falling over one another in the hallways.” – Ald. Ann Rainey (8th)

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