Politics & Government
Are Lower Gas Taxes Coming For Joliet?
Two-term mayor Bob O'Dekirk, who faces Joliet businessman Terry D'Arcy in next spring's election, is calling for lowered fuel taxes.
JOLIET, IL — Back in 2019, one of the main objectives of Joliet City Councilman Pat Mudron and others was to raise the fuel taxes for the motorists who visit Joliet's many gas stations. The 3-cent per gallon fuel hike was put in place starting in January 2020 and it's remained ever since.
Before that, Joliet's fuel tax was 1-cent per gallon. Those who voted for it were Mudron, Sherri Reardon, Bettye Gavin, Mike Turk and Don "The Duck" Dickinson.
At Tuesday night's meeting, two-term Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk announced that he is directing city manager Jim Capparelli to remove Joliet's 4-cent per gallon fuel tax from the upcoming annual city budget that begins Jan. 1.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The mayor's announcement came on the same night that Joliet's elected officials voted to increase the city's sewer and water rates come November. Joliet's news radio station WJOL reported that Joliet citizens would see the average monthly water bill increase by about $5.
"Number one, I won't elaborate on the water ... It really isn't an option. We need a source of water. It cost s money. There's a lot that we're doing to rebuild this. We have five other communities that have joined us that will keep the rates down, but one thing that we can control is a year and a half ago we raised the gas tax here in Joliet," O'Dekirk informed the Council. "That was an option. Fresh water wasn't an option.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Getting more revenue from the sale of gas is an option. I called for it last year in the budget and I'm going to call for it again," O'Dekirk said.
The mayor then asked Capparelli to present a 2023 city budget without any city gas tax in it.
"We know revenues are up, mostly through inflation, so I think that's relief that we can offer people and I think we should strongly consider it," O'Dekirk said.
"All right, mayor. Let me get with the finance folks and see what we can do you here," Capparelli replied.
Previous Joliet Patch coverage:
Mudron 5's Joliet Gas Tax Needs To End In Joliet
Bettye Gavin To Joliet Taxpayers: 'I'll Be Your Huckleberry'
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
