Oglesby utility taxes increasing

Now is a good time to start practicing energy conservation in Oglesby.  Utility taxes are about to be increased to make up for money lost when the cement plant stopped producing.

Buzzi Unicem’s high electricity demand helped the city keep the costs down for people living in town, but with the cement plant no longer producing, the city’s left with a whole to fill.

The city council agreed Monday to raise the Ameren and telecommunication taxes from 2% to 5%.  The electricity tax will go from 2% to 6%.  Mayor Don Finley says it’s what the state law will allow them to do.

The decision needs be held over for a final vote next Tuesday evening.