Palatine Mayor Delivers Positive 'State of the Village'

In his "State of the Village" address at a chamber event this week, Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz took a look back at the village's successes of 2013 and what's in store for the new year.

Highlights of 2013, said Schwantz, included the opening of Patrick Hyundai; the Deer Park sales tax sharing agreement; a 29 percent decrease in vehicle burglaries, a 14 percent increase in recycling programs; the processing of 2,300 business permits; and an electrical aggregation program that saved the village about $5.4 million.

"That's a huge win for us," he said.

2014 and Beyond

The village's balanced $108.8 million operating budget reflects a 2.8 percent increase over last year, but includes no new fees or tax increases. This is also the third consecutive year there has been a reduction in the tax levy and the seventh year without an increase to the refuse fee.

While the sewer rate has increased $.03 per 1,000 gallons, and the water rate has increased $.17 per 1,000 gallons, Schwantz pointed out that the Palatine's 2014 water rate, $3.48 per 1,000 gallon (for the first 74,810 gallons), is among the lowest when compared with 50 municipalities in northern Lake and Cook counties. According to data from the village, the average water rate is $6.43.

Schwantz also discussed the success of the village TIF (tax increment financing) districts, noting TIF surplus rebates have generated about $12.8 million between 2010 and 2013, with $2.1 million projected for 2014.

"I like to think we do TIFs right here in Palatine," said Schwantz.

CLICK HERE to view more details from the presentation.