Electric and Gas Tax Proposed at Council Work Session

6-23-14 Galesburg City CouncilThe Galesburg City Council met last night in a work session, where they discussed a number of topics, including a proposed tax on gas and electricity for area businesses and homeowners.

A proposal drafted by City Manager Todd Thompson would initiate a five percent tax on utilities–funds that could help the city deal with a minimally touched infrastructure system.

Thompson says the money would help finance capital improvements as well as maintenance that has been deferred.

Thompson tells WGIL, that the city is behind by a couple of million dollars in maintenance.

“It’s between $2.4 and $5 Million per year that we would need for maintenance of projects and improvements of existing infrastructure–that’s not at all talking about adding new infrastructure,” says Thompson. “The thing in danger is–with every dollar you don’t spend in maintenance, you’re going to spend a multiple of that in future years for construction.”

City Council members also discussed putting limits on video gambling parlors around the area. Aldermen decided to limit the number of annual liquor licenses for area gambling institutions. The proposal is expected to be voted upon at an upcoming council meeting.

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