DuPage forest preserve OKs slightly lower tax levy

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners approved a nearly $54.3 million property tax levy for the next fiscal year that officials say is slightly less than this year's.

Commissioners on Tuesday adopted the levy amount that will support the 2016-2017 budget, which takes effect July 1.

Officials say the roughly $30,000 decrease in the levy won't noticeably reduce the amount homeowners pay to the district. The owner of a $300,000 home currently pays roughly $165 a year in property taxes to the district and that amount will remain virtually unchanged.

For each dollar spent overall on property taxes by DuPage residents, about 2 cents supports the district, officials said.

"We have taken a number of steps to reduce our costs and operate more efficiently," Commissioner Jeff Redick said in a statement. "The path we are forging is significant in moving us in the right direction and reducing our levy now and in the future."

The district maintains a balanced general fund that matches operating expenses with current-period revenues, officials said. Operations are funded primarily by property taxes.