What They Say...

In drawing up Evanston's budget for 1956 the city council and administrative officers for the first time in years find it possible to stay within expected revenue without skimping essential services. This desirable condition was brought about by the increased motor vehicle fees instituted two years ago and by the new sales tax which is expected to bring in $600,000 next year. In a similar situation Oak Park cut back its auto fees to the original level.

In Evanston a more conservative course seems wiser. The city council and administration have determined to make careful scrutiny of the city's more urgent needs before considering any tax reduction. It is proposed to enlarge some city services long restricted by lack of revenue, to increase pay to the prevailing level, to buy equipment on a pay-

* Evanston Review, December 29, 1955

(Continued on page 16)

ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL REVIEW—THE VOICE OF ILLINOIS MUNICIPALITIES 5

WHAT THEY SAY

(Continued from page 5)

as-you-go basis instead of depending on bond issues, and of course it is necessary to meet the debt service expense for the new incinerator and community house. It is desirable, for instance, to put on additional garbage and refuse collection routes and provide more frequent street-sweeping service. The purpose of the sales tax is to make such improvements possible. If a margin is left over, as may be the case, that could be used to reduce the general property tax, a more equitable place to apply any saving.

Such a course will meet with the hearty approval of already overburdened property owners.

16 ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL REVIEW—THE VOICE OF ILLINOIS MUNICIPALITIES