[Peace] No poverty referendum action at tonight's city council meeting

[Charlotte Green]

Originally, the Champaign City Council was to vote at its meeting tonight on whether or not to approve putting a referendum on the Nov. ballot asking City of Champaign Township voters to approve a 2 cent tax increase/$100 assessed property valuation.  The vote will not happen at tonight's meeting because the wording of the resolution has to include the exact proposed tax rate, which is based on the current tax rate.  The Champaign County Clerk's office was not able to provide this information in time for tonight's meeting.  Linda Abernathy, the township supervisor, will ask the city council to call a special meeting on April 15 to approve the resolution.  It will be helpful for supporters to attend the April 15 meeting rather than tonight's meeting.  It will be very important to get this referendum passed in November as the township general assistance program is a safety net for the poor in our community.