THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008

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Survey Shows It Pays To Reside In Niles

By RICHARD MAYER

Journal Reporter

The most recent annual survey obtained by the Village of Niles from the City of Park Ridge shows that Niles residents contribute one of the lowest dollar amounts for village services compared to other neighboring communities.

Of 10 neighboring communities, Niles receives the least amount of revenue from the average household in a one-year span.

Over the past year, the Village of Niles collected an average of $691.25 from each residence. Money collected was for vehicle license ($25); yard waste charge ($12); water bill ($373.45); and property tax ($280.80).

The survey included collected revenue from residents from other local communities: Rolling Meadows ($1,264.50), Mt. Prospect ($1,204.44), Des Plaines ($1,156.57), Arlington Heights ($1,128.42) and Park Ridge ($827.42).

However, of the seven services that residents are charged, Niles does not participate in three; dog license, garbage charge, and village sewer charge. The other municipalities that were surveyed either participate in all of the categories, or everything with the exception of one or two.

The other towns previously mentioned charge the following, according to the survey:

* Rolling Meadows-Vehicle License, $22; Dog License, $3; Garbage Charge, $304.68; Residential Water Bill, $343.86; Sewer Charge, $169.36; and Property Tax, $421.60.

* Mt. Prospect-Vehicle License, $36; Dog License, $5; Garbage Charge, $75; Yard Waste Charge, $21; Residential Water Bill, $416.13; Sewer Charge, $134.83; and Property Tax, $516.48.

* Des Plaines-Vehicle License, $30; Dog License, $5; Garbage Charge, $180.60; Yard Waste Charge, $32.16; Residential Water Bill, $351.14; Sewer Charge, $68.87; and Property Tax, $488.80.

* Arlington Heights-Vehicle License, $30; Dog License, $12; Garbage Charge, $136.62; Yard Waste Charge, $19.80; Residential Water Bill, $388.16; Sewer Charge, $31.04; and Property Tax, $510.80.

* Park Ridge-Vehicle License, $40; Dog License, $10; Residential Water Bill, $432.90; Sewer Charge, $9.36; and Property Tax, $348.

"We are proud of this record and will continue to do everything we can to keep the cost of running government as reasonable as possible," said Mayor Nicholas Blase.