Chicago Heights have found a way to suck money out of pocketbooks that I have not run across before.

With the State of Illinois not sending the local share of the state income tax in a timely fashion, the idea might show up elsewhere.

What is it?

Charge a “community service fee” right along with the sewer and water fee.

Chicago Heights started the tax way back in 2007.

It’s in the news recently, because the tax has been cut from $51 every two months to $38.24.

Seniors get a break. Originally, they paid $25.50. Henceforth, the bill is $19.12.

Probably less pain to just raise the local sales tax 75%, as the Crystal Lake City Council did.