Residents of Galesburg will pay higher gas and electric bills next year. Last night, the city council approved a utility tax to help fund repairs to the city's infrastructure.
Steve Brody, from the Chamber of Commerce, says the tax is expected to raise $2.35 million to fix up streets, sidewalks, and other neglected areas. It will raise gas bills by 5 percent, and electric bills by 4 to 6 percent.
Some business owners are unhappy, though, because they say it'll cost them thousands each year.
Brody says the city worked hard to find the most economical and fair way to pay for these projects. But with a tight city budget and state funding cuts, the tax is necessary.
Galesburg's new utility tax will take effect in January.