The struggling economy and Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa bankruptcy last May has Litchfield Park facing a tax revenue shortfall of nearly $175,000. Even though the city has more than $4 million secured in its coffers, the city council agreed last month to place a property tax proposal seeking $1 million in revenue on the May 18 ballot.

 

Currently, Litchfield Park real estate is not taxed. Sales tax, the majority of which had come from the Wigwam, allowed the community to maintain its upscale features without burdening residents’ wallets. Even though Jerry Colangelo’s investment group has purchased the Wigwam and is ready to give it a facelift, its business (and the city’s sales tax revenue from that business) is tied to the struggling economy.

 

The property tax is also supposed to even out the fire service fee imbalance. Only half of the residents in Litchfield Park are paying for the city’s public safety contract with a private fire service entity, which serves the entire city. In addition, the property tax will allow the city to lower its sales tax, according to one councilman, and attract more business.

 

Residents are split on the issue and the topic is so emotionally charged that the city set strict guidelines for when the property tax can be discussed. Some residents argue that the rules violate the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights. The city allowed residents and organizations to formally submit their concerns and arguments, but for a $25 fee and each submission was limited to 300 words.

 

Candidates for the upcoming election diverge on this issue, and many believe that this issue will be a major factor in the outcome. Those in favor of the tax are concerned that the city doesn’t have enough time to educate its residents on where the overages would be spent.