The infrastructure master plan to address Hinsdale’s deteriorating roads will most likely be put on hold after the proposition for a 1 percent sales tax increase failed Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Unofficial results showed that 4,693 residents voted against the increase while 3,523 voted in favor of the referendum measure.

“In this kind of economy asking for any kind of increase is very difficult,” said Village Manager Dave Cook. “Am I disappointed? Yes, but it’s not surprising and it’s very close to where I thought it’d end up.”

This same question appeared on the ballot in 2006, when 69 percent of voters rejected the proposal. Cook said the first attempt to gain voter approval was premature since a plan was not in place, and there was no effort to educate residents.

The village was working on implementing an 18- to 20-year, $66 million comprehensive infrastructure plan to replace village streets and fix the storm-water problems. To finance a portion of the cost of this project, the Finance Commission recommended the sales tax increase.

As for what’s next, Cook said it will be a  discussion point for the Village Board to sit down and review options. He added that in the short term, the next budget cycle will be very tight.

Trustee Vic Orler said Tuesday the ballot measure was a “long shot,” especially since it was a general election. He said the Village Board had one hand tied behind its back since laws prohibit officials from promoting the referendum.

“In order for this to pass, I think people have to understand all the dynamics and issues, and it really requires a citizen's based group to go out and hold an educational campaign,” Orler said.

Orler said he thinks the infrastructure plan will have to be put on hold. Without increasing sales or property taxes, the village cannot generate the money needed to move forward with the projects.

Between a lack of information and the current state of the economy, many residents did not feel now was the time to increase taxes.

Resident Chris Elder had concerns that if the referendum were to pass, the infrastructure plan as presented to the Finance Commission would still be under-funded.

Elder said the Village Board should create a plan that addresses the overall needs of the village, try to accomplish it in a reasonable time frame and then decide how to finance the plan.

Now that the referendum has failed, Elder said village officials should have an open debate on exactly what is needed and discuss the pros and cons of sales tax versus property tax versus bond issuance.

“It's easy to say we need money, and this is an available source. But in my view, government should exhaust all options, before they ask residents, and others, for more of their hard earned money,” Elder said. “Maybe we're at that point already, but I get the sense that we were trying to pass a tax that will partially fund a plan that will take at least 20 years, does not solve all the problems and will leave us in the same spot we are today.”