[Peace-discuss] Query

[Kerry L. Pimblott]

Dear all,

Was anyone at Township? <See below article> Are they really suggesting that Abernathy take a pay cut in order to subsidize the program? This is reminiscent of the University's recent efforts to cut workers wages in order to cover "energy costs".

Kerry


Resolution aims to help people living in poverty
By Crystal Kang, Daily Illini

The Township of the City of Champaign passed a resolution Tuesday night to lower the increase in the township supervisor's and assessor's salaries.

Instead of receiving a three percent raise, the township supervisor and assessor will receive a two percent raise.

This is in an effort to generate more funds for the township, so the money can help aid the poor and repair damaged property, especially due to the capricious weather - one of the council's goals.

Champaign County voters will be asked to decide whether or not the council should pass a referendum to raise the township tax by two cents per $100 of equalized assessed value on the ballots this November. Champaign resident Randall Cotton said this would amount to paying about $10 per year for most homeowners in Champaign.

"Frankly, I'm ashamed that we're penurious when it comes to helping those who are living with less than $3,000 a year and don't qualify for state aid," Cotton said. "When people go to the poll booth, the referendum won't say anything about what the money will be used for."

Cotton said he asked the city council to help educate the public that the referendum will restore money to the poor.

In addressing the council, Champaign resident Martel Miller said that 71 percent of the residents voted to have the tax referendum on the ballot, but no one in the council seems to openly support it.

"You can find money for developers, but you can't find any money for the poor," Miller said.

Dist. 4 Councilwoman Marci Dodds said after the meeting that she supports the referendum.

"We don't want the tax increase to go to anyone other than the poor," Dodds said. "We're trying to help sell this referendum."

Cotton will speak on WEFT radio station this Sunday morning at 8 a.m. about the issue.