By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Normal town council members seem united that they need to raise property taxes to cover the soaring cost of pensions for retired public safety employees.

The owner of a $160,000 home would pay an extra $44 next year. Council members seemed willing Monday night to bite the bullet, although Council member Kathleen Lorenz asked if there are alternative funding sources.

City Manager Mark Peterson said property taxes are the most stable revenue stream. He said other revenue sources, like sales taxes, are stagnant or falling.

Three of the five residents who addressed council members Monday night commended the elected leaders for meeting their moral and legal obligations, but Craig Stimpert noted Illinois taxpayers are being taxed to death.

“I was just here last December protesting the last property tax increase. When is this going to stop? This is becoming an annual occurrence and it is unacceptable,” said Stimpert.

Mayor Chris Koos said supporting a tax hike is uncomfortable, but a fairly easy decision.

“We understand our responsibilities to do things in a responsible manner and to not function like the state of Illinois and pass this issue down to some future council,” Koos explained.

A final public hearing is scheduled for December 4th.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].