Township asks for 34 percent property tax hike

Quincy Township is asking for a 34.1 percent increase in its property tax levy because officials said its surplus funds have been depleted in recent years because of rising costs and declining revenue. It would be the first increase in the township's tax levy in seven years. The township is asking that the levy be increased to $344,134, from $256,625. If approved, the increase would add $4 to the township portion of property tax bills for the owner of a $100,000 home, based on projections. "We basically have a bare-bones budget for 2013-14, and we've been using surplus for the last six or seven years," said township Supervisor Steve Schrage, who is retiring after 24 years with the office. "With the decrease of the personal property replacement tax, that's obviously cut into our surplus, and we're to the point now where we have to do something." Quincy aldermen, who also sit as the Town Board, last year approved a $715,376 township budget that was $28,000 lower than the previous year. The budget for fiscal 2014 is $39,000 less, or about $676,000, despite the proposed levy increase. Schrage said one part-time employee will replace a full-time employee. The township also eliminated the deputy township treasurer stipend and reduced travel expenses. He said he asked for a levy increase two years ago when surplus funds began to get low but could not get support from aldermen. Meanwhile, Gerry Timmerwilke, legal counsel for the township, told aldermen Monday night during a public budget hearing that Social Security, pension and health insurance costs continue to rise while revenues have dipped. Timmerwilke said the township received about $364,000 from the personal property replacement tax from the state during fiscal 2008, a number that fell to $282,870 last year. The City Council will consider the levy along with the township's budget at its May 28 meeting. The township runs the general assistance program, which helps people with rent, utility, household and medical expenses. It also runs an emergency assistance program for residents and a separate program for seniors. The township also has a representative payee program to help manage finances for disabled people who are unable to manage their funds. The Quincy Township assessor's office handles property assessments on 16,500 properties in the county. Cindy Brink, who ran unopposed to replace Schrage as township supervisor, was sworn in May 6, but she doesn't officially begin her duties until Monday, May 20.