The conclusion to a long-running war between aldermen and Mayor Greg Sparrow – over a 2-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax increase – is expected to result in Sparrow vetoing the increase.

It was a 4-3 approval vote of the motor fuel tax at the Sept. 8 city council meeting that, despite its passage, allowed Sparrow to follow through with a veto of the tax. If five or more aldermen had voted in favor of the tax, Sparrow would have lost veto power.

Sparrow’s veto could be denied if one of three aldermen who voted against the tax increase decides to change his vote. Should that occur, Sparrow’s veto would be a dead issue, and the tax then would be implemented and would take effect within 30 days of its passage.

If the tax isn’t approved, a request to revisit a motor fuel tax increase could happen at any time.

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker, an advocate for the tax – because in his opinion, it would benefit the city budget without severely burdening citizens – spoke out about considering a 1-cent-per-gallon tax increase as an alternative.

On Monday night, the council is expected to finalize the .5 percent city sales tax increase that would take effect Jan. 1, 2004. Sparrow has said it would be sufficient to help ease city budget woes.

Water tower resolution

At Monday night’s council workshop, Sparrow told aldermen they had until this Monday to determine whether the city follows through with a $14,000 expenditure to paint NIU’s Huskie logo on the Corporate Drive water tower.

Funds for the project would come from the city’s water fund. The council has discussed easing the cost by inquiring if NIU would pay half of the $14,000, considering it’s NIU’s logo that would be placed on the tower. Evidently, through discourse with the university, the city wasn’t able to convince NIU to help pay for the logo.

At the workshop, Sparrow also said public works needed to make progress on the entire painting process and, with aldermen seemingly decided on how they feel about the project, should conduct the vote as soon as possible.

The regular meeting of the DeKalb City Council will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at the Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.