Dang. I tell ya, it would be a lot easier to write these things if I didn’t have to get my facts straight all the time. “The Rest of the Story” is back and had this comment on my last post:

The utility tax/franchise fee would only be placed on water only – no other utility. Currently, Illinois American pays nothing for use of the public right-of-way, however, damages it the most (ie. water leaks, etc.).

Since no one is suggesting a fee to be added to AmerenCILCO bills, I’m afraid I’ll have to retract Van Auken’s award for “most ill-timed revenue proposal” and give it back to the reigning champion, School District 150 (PBC funding). My apologies to Ms. Van Auken.

However, I stand by my previous statement regarding the likelihood of not-for-profits paying this utility tax/franchise fee. “The Rest of the Story” makes a good case:

Approximately 65% of the the properties pay 100% of the real estate tax. This approach would make the non profits particpate in the cost of providing needed services.

I wholeheartedly agree that it makes perfectly logical sense. I just don’t believe it’s going to happen. The three hospitals alone are going to have the council in a pressure cooker on this issue, not to mention all the other charities, churches, foundations, etc.