I would like for everyone to be aware of how the Newton Aquatic center is
funded.
Very simply the cost of the pool is added to your utility bills.
If the equivalent increase had been done on property taxes it would have
been approximately 40%.
How this works is resolution 8-3 takes an annually adjusted percentage of the
gross revenues of the water, sewer and electric utilities and moves it to the
general fund for “city obligations”.
The reason this was done this way was to avoid a referenda that a property tax
increase of this size requires and also so that you can be told that this is not a tax at
all.
This is a very bad way to tax citizens as it avoids all the statutory restrictions on taxing,
it is deceptive and also it is a regressive tax that hits those who can least afford it the
most.
The only way to stop this is to let the Mayor and council know that you understand
what they are doing and do not approve.
If this does not happen you can be sure of expanded use of this form of taxation.
There will be those who will tell you that you are not being subjected to unfair hidden
taxes and in fact there are no hidden taxes in your utility bill at all.
When this happens I suggest that you find out for yourself. Just go to city hall and ask
for a copy of resolution 08-3 and read it for yourself.
How the Newton Illinois Aquatic Center was Funded