Council Backs Estimated 8% Drop in City Tax Rate |
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The DeKalb City Council supports an estimated eight percent drop in the City’s property tax rate and hopes to work with other taxing bodies on the issue.
Council members on Oct. 25 voiced support for a 2021 tax levy, to be collected next year, that would reduce the City’s estimated tax rate to .98273, which is 8.04 percent lower than last year.
As a result, owners of homes, which have not been reassessed, would pay less to the City. Even after applying the township multiplier, the owner of a home with an equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of $108,000 this year would pay about $65 less in City taxes, or a reduction of 6.1 percent.
Mayor Cohen Barnes (shown in photo) says lower taxes will help with economic development and affordable housing and is an important issue to residents.
“Property taxes in DeKalb is a topic at the AYSO soccer fields or in line at the grocery store,” said Barnes. “For the City of DeKalb to show leadership among all the taxing bodies that we are driving towards reduction of the tax rate, and not just the rate, but also dollars (paid to the City) too, I think that is just fantastic.”
And Barnes hopes to extend the conversation on property taxes to other taxing bodies.
“Our plan is, after the turn of the year, is to start having those conversations with leadership with the other taxing bodies on what’s possible here,” said Barnes. “Now, I don’t know the challenges of all the different taxing bodies, but that’s where the discussion can at least start on … Here’s what we’re trying to do, how collectively can we work together to maximize the funds that we have (with) the overall goal of reduction of the tax rate in our community.”
Along with careful spending, economic development and the end of one of the TIF districts helped lower City taxes.
The new Ferrara Candy Company Distribution Center and Pack Center have created a total of $11.7 million in new taxable EAV, and other new construction created another $3.2 million in EAV. Additionally, the end of the Central Area TIF District means $59 million in EAV will be recovered by the taxing districts.
The Council still needs to take a formal vote on the 2021 tax levy before the end of the year.
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Lose Leaf Collection Begins
New Pathway to DeKalb High School Being Built
Older Buses Being Replaced
Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips
DeKalb Police Take Part in No-Shave November
Restaurant Opening Closer; Optical Lens Marker Coming to Downtown
Promotions Made in Police & Fire Departments
DeKalb Film Shown at ICMA Conference
Donations Sought for Heroes & Helpers Event
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Groups Come Together for Trash Collection |
Volunteers gathered Oct. 23 for a trash pick-up throughout DeKalb.
The collection was a joint effort of DeKalb’s Citizen’s Environmental Commission, the Trash Squirrels, NIU Green Paws and the Pathway Committee of the Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club.
Volunteers collected along First Street, Dresser Road, the Kishwaukee Kiwanis bike trail and in the Annie Glidden North neighborhood.
Watch for more collection opportunities in the spring, and please pick up litter around your neighborhood to help keep DeKalb looking beautiful.
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Facebook Photo Gallery
More photos from the trash collection can be seen here on the City of DeKalb Facebook page.
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Loose Leaf Collection Begins |
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DeKalb’s Annual Loose-Leaf Collection began on Oct. 25 and will continue through Friday, December 3rd, weather permitting.
Leaves are collected Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm. Residents should rake leaves into a narrow row parallel to the backside of the curb. Vacuum trucks traveling curbside will pick up the leaves. Leaf piles must be free of debris such as large tree branches and rocks. To help prevent street flooding, do not place leaves in the street.
Crews will begin in the south half of DeKalb and work north to Lincoln Highway, to the northern city limits. The City is anticipating 3-4 collection cycles.
To ensure your leaves are picked up by the final collection cycle, please make sure all leaves are raked to the curb by 7 a.m. Nov. 29th.
Schedule and locations change to accommodate weather conditions. Public Works ceases leaf collection operations in the event of snow. City offices are closed and there will be no leaf collection on the following days:
- Thursday, November 11th - Veterans Day
- Thursday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, November 26th - Day after Thanksgiving
Lakeshore Recycling will also pick up your leaves, curbside, on your regularly scheduled garbage day. However, leaves must be placed in biodegradable yard-waste bags or open garbage cans. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
All dates are subject to change based on weather conditions, particularly snowfall events, and other factors beyond the control of the City. For more information, contact the Public Works Office at (815) 748-2040.
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Visit the City's Employment Page to view and apply for open positions. For more info, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2398.
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The City is currently looking to fill the following positions:
• Firefighter/Paramedic – Application and Testing Deadline: 11/7/21.
• Telecommunicator – Initial Review of Applications: 11/8/21. Position will remain open until filled.
Click here to visit our Employment Page and view the full position job posting, hiring requirements, and application instructions. |
Get community news from the City of DeKalb all month long by following us on social media. |
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New Pathway to DeKalb High School Being Built |
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A new pathway to DeKalb High School should be far enough along by winter that students will have a safer way to get to class.
The DeKalb City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 11 to approve construction of a shared use path on the northside of Dresser Road between Annie Glidden Road and an existing path to the high school.
It will not be the only work in the area. First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Morris (left in photo) notes Twombly Road is also being resurfaced in a joint project between the City, DeKalb County and DeKalb Township.
“I just want to highlight all the progress that we worked through here tonight, specifically in the First Ward,” said Morris. “It’s just thrilling to see sidewalks coming to fruition and long-awaited roads like Twombly being worked on.”
Barring weather delays, City Manager Bill Nicklas said the aggregate base for the Dresser Road pathway should be laid this construction season, so the path should be able to be cleared of snow for student use this winter.
“This is really good news for the neighborhood and to people who have children who walk North Annie Glidden to get to the high school,” said Nicklas, noting that currently students sometimes have to walk on Dresser Road following snowstorms.
The Dresser Road pathway will be paved next year and is part of a series of improvements to create a safer route between the Eden’s Garden neighborhood and the high school.
A pathway is being built along Twombly Road as that road is resurfaced this fall. Next year, a pathway will be created on the westside of Annie Glidden Road so students can use the signalized intersection to cross Dresser Road.
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Demolition of the old DeKalb Municipal Building began on Sept. 13. The last of the ground and second floors came down on Sept. 21. |
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Older Buses Being Replaced |
DeKalb's contracted fixed route transit service provider, Transdev, has acquired the first two of six buses they will be receiving this year. The vehicles will be used to operate the Huskie Line service and will replace some of the older buses within the fleet.
The New Flyer buses were previously used in Orlando. The remaining four will arrive from Arizona later this year and are expected to be placed into service during the first part of 2022.
Under the City’s contract with Transdev, Huskie Line buses can be no older than 15 years, must be 35-feet in length, and have front and rear doors that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips |
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Thanksgiving, the day Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate, cook and eat, is the nation’s leading day for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (USFA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high as on any other day of the year.
In addition to the hazards posed by jammed stovetops and crowded kitchens, turkey fryers and candles contribute to the elevated fire risk on Turkey Day. Preventing fires is simple when following some basic precautions. Remember, while you should always have a fire-extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, don’t delay calling 9-1-1. Ideally, use the extinguisher immediately, as someone else calls 9-1-1.
Stovetops and Ovens
Busy cooks can become distracted preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:
- Start the holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop, and oven.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking and don’t become distracted by guests.
- Stay in the home when cooking turkey, set a timer, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. Preferably use the back burners.
- Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Have working smoke alarms in the home and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.
Turkey Fryers
Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on a covered patio because of the fire hazard. Never overfill the oil in a turkey fryer. Many turkey fires occur while the oil is being heated. Units can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Since most units do not have automatic thermostatic controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.
Safety tips:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Completely thaw the turkey.
- Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Before dumping a few gallons of oil into the fryer, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the bird is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
- Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Keep children and pets well away from the fryer. Remember the oil will remain dangerously hot for hours.
- Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
- Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
- If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
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Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.
Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.
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DeKalb Police Take Part in No-Shave November |
The DeKalb Police Department will be participating again this year in No-Shave November. Officers who choose to participate will be putting down their razors and donating $20 to the No-Shave November foundation via the DeKalb Police Benevolent & Protective Association.
No-Shave November Foundation is a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research, and education. The 2021 Campaign will be supporting American Cancer Fund, Fight CRC, Pediatric Brian Cancer Foundation, and seven other organizations. No less than 80% of donations will be donated equally to participating charities.
Residents who would like to donate or participate in the event alongside our officers can do so by visiting our fundraising page here. |
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Restaurant Opening Closer; Optical Lens Marker Coming to Downtown |
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A new restaurant and brewery is getting closer to opening in downtown DeKalb, and a new business is moving into the old Camelot School building.
The DeKalb City Council on Oct. 11 approved Tangle Roots’ request for a liquor license for its Keg and Kernel restaurant and brewery, which the company hopes to open as soon as Dec. 1 in the downtown Cornerstone DeKalb building.
In a business-friendly gesture, the Council agreed to waive the business’ liquor license renewal and permit renewal fees for 2022 since its 2021 permits, which will be paid in full, will only be used for one month.
Meanwhile, on the east end of downtown, Chris Brundies, owner of AccuLab, a maker of optical lenses, is moving his business into the former Camelot School at 310 N. Fifth St. and 509 Oak St. City Manager Bill Nicklas notes the building has been vacant for several years.
“He’s bringing some new life to DeKalb, in general, and that particular neighborhood, and we applaud that,” said Nicklas. “He’s making an extraordinary investment just to get the building up to speed.”
The company is planning to spend more than $1.1 million on building rehabilitation. The Council has approved a $25,000 Architectural Improvement Program incentive to help cover plumbing repairs, which are expected to cost more than $50,000.
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Promotions Made in Police & Fire Departments |
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The DeKalb Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Commander Jason Leverton to Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief position has been vacant since 2019 and we are excited to have Jason in that role.
“Having lived in the community for my entire career, I am proud to call DeKalb and NIU home” said Leverton (left photo). “I look forward continuing to serve the community in this new role”.
Jason Leverton started his career with the DeKalb Police Department in April of 1996 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Corporal in 2000 and then to Sergeant in 2001, serving as a patrol shift commander.
As a Sergeant, he completed a major revision of the department’s policy manual, supervised the Volunteers In Policing Program and the Field Training Program, and completed the Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff & Command where he served as the class Vice President.
He was then promoted to Lieutenant in 2012 where he supervised the Investigations Division, initiated the Targeted Response Unit, and served as the construction liaison in the building of the new police station.
He was then promoted in 2013 to Commander of the Community Support Services Bureau where he managed the 9-1-1 Communications Center and helped initiate programs such as Community Relations, Crime Free Housing, state accreditation, and the embedded Social Worker program.
The DeKalb Police Department is also proud to announce the promotion of Sergeant Chad McNett (right photo) to Commander of the Patrol Division.
Chad McNett started with the DeKalb Police Department in October of 1995 as a patrol officer. In addition to the day-to-day duties as a patrol officer, McNett took on more administrative duties, including audio/video evidence retrieval and retention, fingerprinting and background check services, and technology installation and operation projects within the Police Department.
McNett was named the department’s first Community Relations Officer in 2013, where he strengthened existing community relationships and built new ones throughout the city. McNett has been active in many community events including, but not limited to Special Olympics, Heroes and Helpers, DeKalb County Triad, and No Shave November.
McNett was promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and has been a shift supervisor in the Patrol Division since that time. In this role, he serves as the Department’s liaison to the Illinois State Police to ensure accuracy for local arrests and civil processes.
“I feel fortunate to have lived and served amongst a great group of neighbors and friends who make the city a place my family and I can call home,” said Chad McNett. “I am thankful for this new opportunity, and I look forward to my new role as Commander of Patrol”.
These promotions became effective October 17, 2021, and a formal promotion ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the Second Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department.
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Three members of the DeKalb Fire Department have received promotions.
Mike Thomas (left) was appointed to Deputy Fire Chief for Operations, James Carani (center) was promoted to Battalion Chief and Jason Pavlak was promoted to Captain.
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DeKalb Film Shown at ICMA Conference |
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Leaders in local government from around the country and beyond are learned about the City of DeKalb last month.
A film about the DeKalb community was shown at the International City/County Management Association’s annual conference held in Portland on Oct 3-6 .
With 11,000 members, the ICMA is the leading association of local government professionals.
A videographer from WebsEdge shot the film in August here in DeKalb, interviewing City leaders about the Belonging initiative, recent developments including those by Facebook and Ferrara, the downtown revitalization and the strength of the DeKalb community.
The film, which is nearly six minutes long, was broadcast on screens in highly visible areas throughout the Oregon Convention Center in Portland so it could be viewed by attendees, presenters and businesses. It was also be included in an ICMA TV program being produced at the conference.
Just as valuable, DeKalb can now use this professional-quality film as a marketing tool for economic development, tourism and real estate. Also, community partners and residents can share the video on social media to help tell DeKalb’s story. The video can be viewed below.
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Donations Sought for Heroes & Helpers Event |
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The Department is currently seeking donations for our annual Heroes and Helpers Event.
This event helps children in special situations have a wonderful holiday season. Each child is partnered with a DeKalb Police Officer and will choose $50-$100 worth of gifts for themselves and members of their family. The gifts are then wrapped by Target staff members. All children participating in the event are either DeKalb residents or students at DeKalb School District 428. Children participating in the event are nominated by the school district or another local agency.
This is an all-volunteer event and donations are always needed to help fund the program. We like to assist as many children as possible. Recently the department held a bowling fundraising to support the event that raised over $500.
Members of the public interested in donation to the event can do so in person or by mail. Donations can be made, payable to the DeKalb PB & PA, and delivered or mailed to the DeKalb Police Department, Attention: Heroes & Helpers, 700 W. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL 60115.
We look forward to this event every year and we hope we can make a difference to those children in need this holiday season!
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DeKalb City Hall will be closed on the following days:
- Nov. 11, Veterans Day
- Nov. 25, Thanksgiving
- Nov. 26, Day After Thanksgiving
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Human Relations Commission
Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Citizens' Environmental Commission
Nov. 4, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Economic Development Commission
Nov. 5, 8:30 a.m., DeKalb County Economic Development Commission offices, 2170 Sycamore Rd., Unit 102.
Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board
Nov. 8, 8 a.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council
Nov. 8, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
DeKalb Public Library Board
Nov. 10, 7 p.m. in the Bilder Family Room at the DeKalb Public Library
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Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
Nov. 15, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council & Finance Advisory Committee
Nov. 15, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Planning and Zoning Commission
Nov. 15, 6 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council & Finance Advisory Committee
Nov. 17, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
City Council
Nov. 22, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Airport Advisory Board
Nov. 23, 7 p.m. in the West Community Hanger at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
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To view agendas for City meetings, please go to the City's Agenda Center here.
To check for meeting cancellations and location updates, please check the City Website here.
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November Community Events |
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Downtown Merchants
Tinsel & Traditions
Come kick off the holiday shopping season. The shops will have their holiday decor and gifts out. Dancers with Dimensions Dance Academy will be performing downtown from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 12.
Nov. 12, 5-8 & Nov. 13, 10-4
For more information on events by the Downtown Merchants, visit their Facebook page.
Pleasant St. Neighborhood Gathering
Everyone is invited to meet their neighbors and discuss issues of interest in the Pleasant Street Neighborhood.
Thursday, Nov. 4, 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 830 Grove. St.
Stage Coach Players
126 S. Fifth St.
Open House and Memorial Wall Dedication
Join Stage Coach Players for an open house and celebration of their new memorial wall. There will be a brief dedication ceremony at 4 p.m., and refreshments will be served.
Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m.
Learn more Stage Coach Player event by clicking here. |
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DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
Sensory Friendly Magic Show
Cody Clarks' routines are designed with the audience’s sensory needs in mind, engaging each participant at the level they’re most comfortable with. Whether you’re able to directly participate in the magic or just wave your hands to make the magic happen, you’ll feel empowered exactly as you are.
Nov. 6, 11 a.m.
See all of the library's programs on its calendar.
Egyptian Theatre
135 North Second Street
It's a Wonderful Life
The holiday classic released in 1946 will be shown on 35MM film.
Nov. 28, 2 p.m.
Submit your event to be consider for the e-News Community Events calendar by e-mailing here.
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City Hall
164 E. Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Police Station
700 West Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Public Works
1216 Market Street
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
3232 Pleasant Street
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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City Clerk 815-748-2095
City Manager's Office 815-748-2090
Community Development Department 815-748-2070
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102
Finance Department 815-748-2000
Fire/Police Emergency 911
Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460
Mayor's Office 815-758-1886
Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400
Public Works Department 815-748-2040
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