Referenda Questions

Dear Neighbors,

As you may know, the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election in the Village of Bolingbrook is approaching and, for the first time in recent history, there will be three (3) referenda questions for our consideration. All of the referenda questions are non-binding, “advisory” questions, but two of them, concerning video gaming and the use of hotel/motel tax, will be important to help assist the Village in making certain policy determinations in the future.

On behalf of the Village, I am writing to provide factual information so that each question may be easily understood. It is important to note that the Village takes no official position as to any support or opposition to the referenda and this letter is not intended in any way to advocate for you to vote “for” or “against” any of the questions. My hope is that this letter will assist you and your family in making an informed choice when you go to the polls. The three questions will be described in turn.

1. “Shall the Village of Bolingbrook rescind the approximately 40% tax increase for fees to collect garbage?” (Citizen-Initiated)

This question was initiated by a petition filed with the Village Clerk’s Office and is a non-binding, advisory question. The Village does not currently levy a “tax” to collect garbage; refuse collection has always been paid as a fee for services. This question is likely referencing the fact that the fees for garbage collection service were previously reflected and paid directly through individual property tax bills but are now billed separately. The garbage collection fee in 2017 was $19.40 per household and was $20.59 per household in 2020. Therefore, Residents still pay a fee for garbage service and that fee has NOT increased by 40% — the issue is with the manner in which the fees are billed. The Village will continue the equitable calculation and collection of garbage fees, and not put the fee back on the property tax bills. The Village will continue its work in exploring additional options for garbage collection service, and I have established a committee to study options with respect to the garbage service and, in particular, garbage toters or cart options and direct resident billing from the refuse hauler.

It is important to know that the Village is unable to “rescind” a “tax increase” that never happened. As the Village had no role in preparing and submitting this referendum question, there was no ability to make modifications to ensure a clear, accurate question. The Village takes no position on how to vote for this referendum question but found it important to provide factual information as to how garbage services are billed. The Village will continue to work hard for all of its residents to ensure garbage service is provided in the most efficient and beneficial manner while keeping costs down to a minimum.

2. Shall the Village of Bolingbrook allow video gaming to operate within the Village of Bolingbrook?

This question was initiated by Village Board resolution and is asking a non-binding, advisory question to gauge public opinion concerning whether the Village should allow certain businesses to have video gaming (gambling) terminals. The Village has been reluctant to allow video gaming in the past but seeks resident input regarding same. Video gaming is allowed under the Illinois “Video Gaming Act,” which authorizes the placement of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in certain, licensed Retail Establishments, Truck Stops, Veteran and Fraternal Establishments. The VGTs are all connected and monitored by a Central Communication System overseen by the State. Should video gaming be allowed, the Village would retain some control over the regulation of the practice and, in particular, where gaming would be permitted pursuant to local ordinance. The arguments against video gaming generally reflect concern with the possible changing the nature and character of businesses (i.e., restaurants) and possible, perceived problems that legalized gambling could bring. Proponents would likely argue that the potential revenue for businesses and the Village from video gaming is very strong and would present a possible method to provide needed relief to local restaurant and other businesses affected by the Pandemic, and that the Village should allow its businesses to retain a competitive advantage against neighboring communities that allow video gaming. Again, the Village takes no position either way and is seeking the input of our voters in order to plan potential policy initiatives in the future.

3. Shall the Village of Bolingbrook use hotel/motel tax revenue to promote tourism, and to support local leisure, recreational and cultural programs and events?

This question was also initiated by Village Board resolution and is asking a non-binding, advisory question to gauge public opinion concerning the possible dedication of certain tax revenues specifically to support local leisure, recreational, and cultural programming and events. The Village currently levies a hotel/motel tax, and the question is asking whether Village residents believe a portion of those funds (derived from overnight room rental at hotels and motels) should be allocated by the Village to promote tourism, to fund recreational activities, and to fund other local events and programming. Again, the Village takes no position either way and is looking for the residents’ input in order to plan potential policy initiatives in the future.

I hope that this information is helpful in your understanding the questions that will be on the ballot at the upcoming election. Election Day is April 6, 2021; Information about polling places, early voting, and vote-by-mail can be obtained through either the Will or DuPage County Clerk’s Office.

As Mayor, I felt it imperative to include all of our residents in the discussion concerning these referenda questions. Your vote will help guide the Village’s decisions for many years to come. On behalf of the Village, I thank you for your time and consideration of the above information, and I hope that you are all staying healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

MARY ALEXANDER-BASTA, Mayor
Village of Bolingbrook

General Questions

What is a “consolidated election”?

In Illinois, the local taxing bodies “consolidate” their elections for their individual governing boards into one consolidated election where voters can choose candidates for their municipality, school district, library district, park district, and township boards all on one ballot. In Illinois, our local consolidated election is on Tuesday, April 6th.

How do I get a mail-in ballot?

WILL COUNTY:

Information regarding mail-in ballots can be found at thewillcountyclerk.com/elections/vote-by-mail/

DUPAGE COUNTY:

A mail-in ballot can be requested online at dupageco.org/Election/VoteByMail/

Where can I vote early?

WILL COUNTY:

Get a list of early voting site locations and hours by visiting thewillcountyclerk.com/elections/early-voting/

DUPAGE COUNTY:

Get a list of early voting site locations and hours by visiting dupageco.org/earlyvoting/

How do I register to vote?

United States citizens who are 18 years old, or citizens who are 17 years old and will turn 18 on or before the date of the next General or Consolidated Election, are qualified to register to vote. Voters must be residents of their precincts 30 days prior to Election Day.

WILL COUNTY:
DUPAGE COUNTY:

You can begin the process of registering to vote in DuPage County at www.dupageco.org/Election/Voting/37059/. You can check to see if you are already registered, register online, or download an application as a PDF file and fill it in and mail today. You can also register at many locations throughout DuPage County. To check your eligibility to vote, please read through the following requirements. If you have any questions can contact the Election Division.

How do I change my address on my voter registration?

WILL COUNTY:

Please visit thewillcountyclerk.com and fill out a CHANGE OF ADDRESS form. Please note this form can only be used if you are registered to vote in Will County and are changing your address WITHIN Will County. All out of county changes require a new registration.

DUPAGE COUNTY:

You may update your voter registration using the online registration application or by emailing, faxing or mailing a signed request letter. The request letter should include your name, date of birth, old and new addresses, and your signature. The letter may be scanned and emailed to jessica.stachniak@dupageco.org; faxed to (630) 407-5630; or mailed to DuPage County Clerk Election Division, PO Box 1087, Wheaton, IL 60187. The updated information will be attached to your previous registration. Please visit www.dupageco.org/Election/Voting/37059/ for more information.

Where do I vote?

WILL COUNTY:

Will County voters have three different ways to cast their ballots. Click on the links below for more information.

DUPAGE COUNTY: