DeKalb has grown considerably since its last census report three years ago.

About 700 more homes have been built in DeKalb since 2000. The population is projected at a little more than 42,000 residents, compared to the 39,018 residents in 2000, according to a report presented at the DeKalb City Council workshop Monday night.

State funding received is based on a city’s population as of July 1. The increase in the number of DeKalb residents projects a $250,000 annual increase in revenue.

The census will be a partial census, meaning it will be conducted in developing areas of the city. The council projects the cost estimate for the census between $70,000 to $80,000.

The council was in favor of conducting the census, and decided the task would be undertaken toward the end of the year so housing projects could be completed and the census would be ready for July 1.

Another item discussed was the school board president’s request that members of the school board be included on the city’s Plan Commission. The Plan Commission recommends the approval of development projects.

Aldermen pointed out that school, park and sanitary districts are invited to the weekly meetings and that the Plan Commission is limited to technical aspects of development. They were concerned about the vested interests of the school board members elected to the Plan Commission.

Including school board members would open the door for park board members to be on the commission.

“We’re going to re-evaluate the function of the planning commission to include fiscal impacts of development,” said 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan.

The final item on the council’s agenda was the consideration of the budget for fiscal year 2003-2004.

Because of the decrease in interest rates and state income tax, the city is faced with a $1.4 million budget deficit.

Mayor Greg Sparrow proposed an increase in home rule sales tax and restaurant and bar tax to help bridge the gap. With the arrival of stores such as Kohl’s and Best Buy, sales are expected to go up and tourism is expected to increase.

“We’ve made great strides to get that next level of shopping and it’s arrived,” Sparrow said. “I’m looking for ways to try and increase the revenue from people that are not citizens of DeKalb that are using our services.”

Aldermen raised concerns about the effect of the increases on taxpayers.

“Once the tax is raised, it stays up,” said 6th Ward Alderman Dave Baker. “I’d like to hold off as long as we can.”

The council will consider selling unoccupied property or leasing land to increase its revenues and will look into it further at the next meeting.