Local governments want more taxpayer money as voters weigh referendums

(The Center Square) – Illinois voters will decide Nov. 3 on dozens of local referendums seeking higher taxes or additional borrowing authority, raising questions from a government watchdog about how municipalities are managing their finances as residents face some of the highest tax burdens in the country.

There are 85 local government referendums on the November ballot, according to an analysis by Fight for Illinois. Across the measures, the organization estimates more than $6 billion in long-term costs when borrowing and interest are included.

Ted Dabrowski, founder of Fight for Illinois, said municipalities should first look for ways to reduce spending and improve efficiency before asking residents for more money.

“This is Illinois, and we have a tax mentality, not a reform spending mentality,” Dabrowski said.

Dabrowski, former Republican candidate for Illinois governor, said local governments face financial pressures including public employee salaries, pensions and health care costs, as well as state mandates and the loss of residents and businesses.

Municipalities also face state-mandated police and fire pension obligations, which can make local budgets particularly difficult to manage, he said.

“I think in a lot of places townships are redundant,” Dabrowski said, adding that there can be opportunities for consolidation and reduced administrative costs.