Maybe I’m mis-reading the last “Whereas” clause of this resolution passed Tuesday by the McHenry County Board.

Only Ersel Schuster and John Hammerand voting “No.”

Read it and tell me if you think it says those twenty-two who voted “Yes” favor

• an income tax and/or
• Motor Fuel Tax hike:

WHEREAS, regardless of the funding source (a Motor Fuel Tax or income tax increase), it is critical that local governments receive their fair share and are treated equitably in any capital bill.

Just wondering?

The whole resolution is below:

RESOLUTION
URGING PASSAGE OF A COMPREHENSIVE CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

WHEREAS, passing a comprehensive Capital Infrastructure Program in the 2009 Legislative Session is critical to Illinois; and

WHEREAS, ten years have passed since the Illinois General Assembly and Governor last passed and signed into law a comprehensive Capital Infrastructure Program; and

WHEREAS, local communities are facing the problem of maintaining their roadways, bridges, water systems and sewer systems to meet growing needs; and

WHEREAS, units of local government have responsibility for over 88% of the public roads in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Motor Fuel Tax Allocations for municipal, county and township roads and bridges are only 10% higher than they were eight years ago, yet the cost of construction on local roads is 90% higher during that same timeframe; and

WHEREAS, the Motor Fuel Tax has not been changed since it was raised to 19 cents a gallon in 1990; and after expenses are removed the balance of the 19 cent Motor Fuel Tax is distributed as follows: 45.6% to the state, 26.7 % to municipalities; 19.1% to counties; and 8.6% to townships; and

WHEREAS, it is extremely important that the dollars are divided by formula and that the current formula is kept intact; and that units of local government have the opportunity to control what projects will be funded in their respective jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, regardless of the funding source (a Motor Fuel Tax or income tax increase), it is critical that local governments receive their fair share and are treated equitably in any capital bill.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the McHenry County Board of Illinois believes it is imperative that a comprehensive capital infrastructure bill be passed in 2009 and that local governments receive an equitable share of such capital infrastructure program to be delivered through existing formula; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be distributed to Governor Quinn, Speaker of the House Madigan, Senate President Cullerton, House Republican Leader Cross, Senate Republican Leader Radogno, State Senators Althoff and Duffy, State Representatives Beaubien, Franks and Tryon, the County Administrator and the Director of Transportation/County Engineer.

DATED at Woodstock, Illinois, this 2nd day of June, A.D., 2009.

________________________________
KENNETH D. KOEHLER,
Chairman McHenry County Board

I would point out that consideration of raising the Motor Fuel Tax is not serious in Springfield, even it would be logical a logical way to finance road improvements.