The debate surrounding an increase in DeKalb’s motor fuel and city sales taxes changed course Monday night as a majority vote determined to delay final votes until the Sept. 22 council meeting rather than at the Sept. 8 meeting as originally planned.

Both ordinances underwent a first reading, but the city council voted to bring both ordinances back for a second reading for further analysis, something 7th Ward Alderman James Barr felt was necessary because of the impact a rise in taxes would have on DeKalb residents.

“Major revenue changes should be taken through first and second readings,” Barr said, wishing not to jump ahead to a final vote at the Sept. 8 meeting.

The motor fuel tax, proposed to increase by two cents per gallon, is something Mayor Greg Sparrow expressed a desire to veto at a recent meeting.

In order for a mayor to veto a proposed ordinance, council members must override it with five votes. Monday night, five aldermen expressed a desire and preliminary vote to continue with the proposal as planned.

No increase, however, can be executed until the Sept. 22 meeting where a final determination will be made about whether Sparrow’s veto will be a reality.

Despite issues regarding the motor fuel tax, the increased monies generated were initially designated for road construction and maintenance projects. Third Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan said he’d like to see the terminology altered to say motor fuel taxes would be utilized specifically for road reconstruction projects instead of new projects.

A majority vote approved Kapitan’s proposal to reword the ordinance to state motor fuel taxes would be used solely for reconstruction projects.

Second Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen also said he’d like to see a sunset clause created to ensure aldermen would revisit the success and possible discussion of provisions to motor fuel and city sales taxes sometime in 2005 before the city approves the fiscal year 2006 budget. Povlsen’s motion was also approved by a majority vote.

Impact fees need revisiting

Various alderman expressed a desire to revisit an increase in impact fees to assist struggling District 428 schools who are in need of money after significant enrollment increases and three failed referendums.

Fifth Ward Alderman Pat Conboy said he hoped the school board would approach the council so that they could look into possibly raising impact fees. He added impact fees are working in other aspects of the city, but that increasing them to benefit the school board is something that need serious, future consideration.

Students remain in check

Despite DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen revealing there were 132 alcohol-related arrests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights on the northwest side of DeKalb, he had very little criticism about how the student population as a whole conducted themselves on their first weekend back.

“Overall, people were on their best behavior; we had successful events and very little problems,” Feithen said.

Commercial woes

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker in his final report presented city officials and aldermen with 25 photos of commercial businesses and property owners taking advantage of long-standing city ordinances.

He said signs are too close to previously widened streets. Also properties have been poorly maintained and fences have been installed that were never originally approved by the city.

He felt action needed to be taken on this and presented it to the council as a possible issue for later discussion.