Levying taxes, abating taxes, mayoral appointments and new election deadlines were topics discussed at Monday night’s DeKalb City Council meeting.

The council discussed possible estimates for property tax levies. Money acquired through these levies go toward pensions for city employees. Last year the city had a rate of $0.65 per $100 of Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV). However, if the council continued at the same rate for the upcoming fiscal year, the city would receive $240,000 less due to a reduced EAV rate.

Rudy Espiritu, assistant city manager of DeKalb, provided multiple options to the council but he urged them to at least levy the same amount as they did last year.

“We would contribute the same amount from the general fund that we did last year,” he said. “In this case the general fund would have to make up about $440,000 and that would be a zero percent increase. The $440,000 is similar to what the general fund would have to make up last year,” Espiritu said. 

The council voted in favor of this option.

“I think it’s important for people to realize that these taxes go to pay for pensions that we are mandated to pay,” said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen. “I mean we can get up here and say we don’t want to pay taxes and we don’t like to pay taxes…we don’t have an option here.”

Tony Chulick was appointed by the mayor to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

“Mr. Chulick came highly recommended by some people on the commission. He’s a well-known dentist in this community. He’s a good businessman, as well as, sat on his own board of appeals for many years. So he’s aware of city issues and the way we operate,” Povlsen said.

Filing dates for becoming an election candidate have changed from January to Dec. 13 to 20. Petitions are available at multiple locations. To date 10 packets have been handed out.

“The information on the election and becoming a candidate is available at the city clerk’s office. You can also obtain this information online at the Illinois Election Board website,” said DeKalb City Clerk Steve Kapitan.

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