To raise much needed revenue, and correct a long-standing mistake, property taxes may go up next year for residents of Rock Island County. Wednesday, the county board's budget committee will consider a proposal from county administrator Dave Ross to raise taxes 16 per cent.
He says most of the new money would pay social security and retirement contributions for employees because for nearly 20 years, the county has not collected enough money for these funds.
Ross says the 16 per cent increase would raise 3.7 million dollars, and he emphasizes Rock Island County is only responsible for 8 per cent of local property tax bills.
Once a proposed budget is completed, a public hearing will be held early next month, with final approval at the November meeting of the county board.
The county's new fiscal year begins December 1st.
