Suburban Chicago News - April 28, 2010

The countywide quarter-cent sales tax levy that funds the DuPage Water Commission would be eliminated in 2016 under amended legislation sponsored by state Sen. Dan Cronin, R-Elmhurst.

Revenues from the sales tax would only fund necessary capital improvements to the county's water system until 2014 and the levy would be completely abolished in June 2016 after final bond payments are made. The Illinois House Counties and Townships Committee will consider the bill today in Springfield.

"It's clear this tax has outlived its purpose," Cronin said in a press release. "By lowering taxes and demanding reform, I believe this bill will make the DuPage Water Commission more accountable to taxpayers in the future."

Cronin authored SB 580 in response to the depletion of $69 million in reserve funds due to fiscal mismanagement and poor oversight mechanisms at the Water Commission. An audit completed in March revealed several problems at the agency including "gross negligence and intentional misconduct" by the former financial administrator, an "unqualified" general manager and outdated accounting procedures. The commission announced plans earlier this year to increase water rates by 20 percent and borrow $30 million in an attempt to ameliorate the fiscal crisis. Commissioners are now considering whether to hike water rates again or borrow an additional $40 million to generate needed funds.

A provision to place the commission under the purview of DuPage County government is tabled for now as Cronin responds to the concerns of some mayors who oppose the consolidation plan. "Some vocal opponents to my consolidation plan, including mayors who serve on the Water Commission Board, have pledged to internally overhaul this agency," Cronin said. "While I hesitate to delay the consolidation plan, I will allow a brief timetable for commissioners to prove they have the resolve to reform this rogue agency and address the serious concerns of taxpayers and water customers.

"... If municipal leaders want to keep this agency separate from county government, they need to demonstrate the ability to manage public funds wisely, hire competent staff and work collaboratively with county officials," Cronin said. The measure also requires all current board members to resign in January 2011.