Sycamore | Two increased taxes will rise in May after the Jan. 21 Sycamore City Council approved a raise in sales tax and a gas tax.

The revenues from both will go toward city street repairs.

Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy broke a tie vote to increase gas taxes at the meeting.

The new tax will raise gas prices by 2 cents per gallon, or about $160,000 annually.

Sycamore resident Diana Swanson favors the upkeep of maintenance in Sycamore and supports the sales tax boost. However, she spoke against the gas tax increase because of the current high gas prices.

“I’m not sure the benefits outweigh the downside,” said Swanson.

The majority of aldermen supported the gas tax when it was first proposed.

However, 4th Ward Alderman Darren Knuth changed his vote. He said at first he was in favor of the gas tax increase, but after hearing negative comments about it from many Sycamore citizens, he changed his vote to no.

The increase in sales tax passed unanimously by city council members and appeared to be widely supported by the community.

The sales tax will increase from .75 percent to 1.25 percent, which will equal DeKalb’s taxes. This tax is expected to bring in about $1.2 million annually.