Madigan had to pass budget to find out what’s in it
Recalling Illinois’ past record, everyone must know that Madigan and company’s new budget will not solve the state’s financial crisis. Springfield will continue to spend the additional $5 billion a...
View ArticleFair and equitable school funding must eliminate PTELL and TIF subsidies
For years, many have sought an equitable and fair funding formula for Illinois school district finances. Senate Bill 1 is not that solution despite numerous educational leaders, politicians and media...
View ArticleS.A.F.E. attacks county board on sheriff’s budget – lack sufficient information
The S.A.F.E. group is again personally attacking those members of the Winnebago County Board, who are trying to hold the line on property taxes to balance a 2018 budget deficit of $6.9 million. Our...
View ArticleHome rule, no financial panacea for struggling Illinois municipalities
A four part survey by Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies found that several significant changes occurred in home rule municipalities between 1986 and 2002. First and...
View ArticleInmate lockdown lawsuits influence sheriff’s budget dispute
The number of lawsuits filed by the inmates against Winnebago County Sheriff Caruana currently stand at twenty-one with undoubtedly more on the way. This is the inmate’s response to an unanticipated...
View ArticleHome rule disenfranchises Rockford taxpayers
Government is supposed to be of, by and for the people. Home rule is government “despite” the people. If home rule is approved, putting aside for the moment both sides marketing campaigns, Rockford...
View ArticleOrdinance shifts 911 financial/contractual issues to county administration
The debate framed by the Rockford Register Star in last Sunday’s op-ed was that the Winnebago County 911 service has been caught up in political games. The editorial further opined that people don’t...
View ArticleCity collects $4M utility taxes, now proposes fees to pay water bill
The Rockford Register Star reported Tuesday that City officials are proposing a fee for the “convenience” of paying our monthly garbage and water bills. The proposal calls for a $3 fee per transaction...
View ArticleLook at federal taxes paid, not size of refund
As Americans file their taxes by this Monday’s April 15, 2019 deadline, they might be surprised that most received a tax cut due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, despite the media’s continuous...
View ArticleLower property tax rates could benefit economic development
Notice of property tax assessments were sent out on August 13, 2019 for taxes to be paid in 2020, a quadrennial tax year. The new property tax assessments are available online at Winnebago County...
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