Suburban Chicago News - April 28, 2010

The countywide quarter-cent sales tax levy that funds the DuPage Water Commission would be eliminated in 2016 under amended legislation sponsored by state Sen. Dan Cronin, R-Elmhurst.

Revenues from the sales tax would only fund necessary capital improvements to the county's water system until 2014 and the levy would be completely abolished in June 2016 after final bond payments are made. The Illinois House Counties and Townships Committee will consider the bill today in Springfield.

"It's clear this tax has outlived its purpose," Cronin said in a press release. "By lowering taxes and demanding reform, I believe this bill will make the DuPage Water Commission more accountable to taxpayers in the future."

Cronin authored SB 580 in response to the depletion of $69 million in reserve funds due to fiscal mismanagement and poor oversight mechanisms at the Water Commission. An audit completed in March revealed several problems at the agency including "gross negligence and intentional misconduct" by the former financial administrator, an "unqualified" general manager and outdated accounting procedures. The commission announced plans earlier this year to increase water rates by 20 percent and borrow $30 million in an attempt to ameliorate the fiscal crisis. Commissioners are now considering whether to hike water rates again or borrow an additional $40 million to generate needed funds.

Accountability, transparency and cost savings are key goals

April 15, 2010 (Elmhurst, IL) – A measure passed today by the Illinois Senate will consolidate the DuPage Water Commission under county government next year, according to State Senator Dan Cronin (R-21), the sponsor of SB 580. The Senate voted 39-5-7 to approve the legislation.

“It’s ironic that this bill is approved on Tax Day, since the main goal is to save tax dollars and bring more accountability to DuPage County residents,” Cronin said following the vote. “At a time when voters everywhere are frustrated with unnecessary government, higher taxes and more borrowing, this bill represents a step in the right direction for weary taxpayers.”

The bill would create a new committee under the purview of DuPage County government that would include equal representation from the county government and municipalities. An annual audit would be completed and made public. All funds related to the water system would be separated from other county revenue. The measure also seeks to eventually reduce and eliminate the • cent sales tax levy used to fund water operations.

“The report released last month about the fiscal and management mess at the Water Commission supported my belief that reform was necessary,” Cronin said. “Taxpayers in DuPage County deserve accountability. They deserve capable oversight of tax dollars. This bill is a meaningful effort to make local government more efficient, most cost effective and more transparent.”

The measure now moves to the Illinois House and is sponsored by State Representative Randy Ramey.