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player ready...Palos Heights homeowners will see an increase in the city portion of their tax bill next year in light of aldermen approving a 2015 tax levy of $7.9 million, a 10.6 percent increase over last year’s levy.
The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously passed the levy, which is the amount the city expects to raise via the property tax and will be reflected on 2016 tax bills. The levy amount takes into account the debt for the $6.3 million addition to the city’s recreation center.
In a November 2014 referendum, voters approved a bond issue for the 24,000-square-foot addition now under construction on the south side of the building, 6601 W. 127th St. The addition is expected to open next fall.
“Promotional material mailed out during the referendum (campaign) explained that property taxes would increase upon passage of the bond issue,” Janice Colvin, the city’s accounting director, said.
The city estimated at the time that the owner of a $300,000 home would pay about $90 more a year in property tax over the life of the 20-year bonds.
The city’s portion amounts to about 13 percent of a Palos Heights homeowner’s total tax bill.
Also Tuesday, Denver-based Spectrum Retirement Communities presented a preliminary proposal to the council for a 100-unit building that would offer assisted living and memory care for senior citizens. It would be on 2.6 acres at the northeast corner of College Drive (Illinois 83) and Harlem Avenue.
The assisted-living section of the building would have studio, one-bedroom and a limited number of two-bedroom units with small kitchenettes without cooking appliances, said Mike Longfellow, senior vice president at Spectrum. He estimated that the facility would create 60 jobs.
“This is a preliminary presentation to see if we have any interest,” Mayor Bob Straz said. “There could very well be a need right now for people who want assisted living or have a need for it and now have to go out of town (for such care).”
He said such a center could be “very beneficial” for those who have children at home and also have to care for older relatives.
Patricia Trebe is a freelance reporter.