Hoffman Estates Parks Board to keep tax levy flat
The Hoffman Estates Park District (HEParks) Board of Commissioners voted on November 24, 2020, not to increase the district's tax levy to the community during 2021.
“Similar to other surrounding communities, Hoffman Estates residents have been hit hard by the pandemic. We want the residents of Hoffman Estates to know that the district is here to support them and help them,” said HEParks Executive Director Craig Talsma. “Due to the economic toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our community, HEParks portion of the tax levy will remain flat, which means there will be no increase from the district between FY2020 and FY 2021. Right now, with many community members still unemployed, every dollar matters to families.”
Under Illinois law, the Board of Commissioners could have chosen to raise the current levy by 2.3% but decided instead to ease the burden on local taxpayers. The final levy will be approved at the December 22, 2020, Board meeting, and the tax goes into effect in 2021.
Hit hard by the pandemic, due to restrictions to programs and events, the district continues to provide services and programs to the community despite a five-million-dollar revenue shortfall. In response to the loss of revenue due to the pandemic, HEParks radically cut costs to maintain a balanced budget through reduced spending, capital project postponement, and the reduction of staff.
“Parks and Recreation services are vital now more than ever to the residents of Hoffman Estates,” said Director of Recreation Alisa Kapusinski. “The district's staff are developing free and low-cost socially distanced opportunities to keep families active, positive, and engaged as we move throughout the year. Our innovative programming, along with the excellent parks in the area, are going a long way to strengthen the health of our community members.”
The decision not to increase the district's tax levy is part of the 2021 budget process that began in the summer. The Board of Commissioners will approve the final levy and budget on December 22, 2020, for the new fiscal year starting on January 1, 2021. The tentative budget document is available at HEParks.org for review. Additionally, the District decided there would be no salary increases for full-time, exempt staff.
2021 Budget Highlights include updates to local parks, fee reductions, and cost savings measures. There are structural renovations planned for Birch Park ($225,000 Grant awarded project) and Beacon Point Park. The District is opening an eSports Facility located at the Vogelei Teen Center. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club will add a 10-station, heated shelter with Toptracer technology to the Golf Learning Center. This new addition allows guests of all ages and handicaps to enjoy playing iconic courses, aiming at lighted targets and analyzing their swing to improve their game. Also, this area will have a beer garden with a direct view of the range for those looking to relax by a fire pit and/or enjoy the fun, energetic atmosphere. Rental fees will apply to use the stations.
To better serve the senior residents of Hoffman Estates, there is no longer a fee associated with joining the Senior Center within the Triphahn Center. Most programs at the Center will now also be offered free of cost.
HEParks will not be printing and mailing the quarterly program and events guide, saving over $50,000 in printing and postage costs over the year. The district will now circulate the guide digitally.
HEParks will hold a public budget hearing via Zoom, Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Email Monica Logan at MLogan@heparks.org by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, to receive a link to the meeting.