The cost of living in East Moline will probably go up next year. Monday night the city council approved a tax levy for next year, with final approval of a new budget expected in two weeks.
Finance Director Annaka Whiting says the proposed tax levy is $2.32 per $1,000 dollars assessed value - an increase of 7-cents over the current year. And for the owner of a $100,000 home in East Moline, property taxes for the city will go up $21.80.
"We have a bond for the water plant issued in 2011. We have to account for the principal and interest due in 2019. The increased cost of police and fire pensions, and police and fire protection in general has also increased."
Some of the additional revenue will also help reduce the deficit in next year's $42 million dollar budget - now at an estimated $5 million. Whiting says reserve funds will offset the rest.
Final approval for next year's budget is scheduled for December 17.
