‘A good thing for people’: Palatine Township levies first tax for community mental health board

Palatine Township trustees this week approved a $1.65 million tax levy for its community mental health board.

The board provides funding to support services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorder.

Palatine Township Supervisor Andy-John G. Kalkounos said the decision to levy reflects the clearly expressed will of the township’s voters and the tireless work of a community that believes mental health support is not optional, but essential.

“The referendum presented to the public was thoughtful, deliberate, and rooted in real community need,” he said at Monday’s meeting. “And when the voters spoke, they spoke decisively. This Board listened — and we acted.”

This levy is a thoughtful first step toward filling critical service gaps and ensuring our township is a healthier, more supportive place for everyone,” Trustee Natalie Sahinoglu said.

The mental health levy is part of Palatine Township's overall 2026 tax levy totaling $5.9 million, which also includes the town fund, general assistance and the road district.

“Getting the full tax levy is huge news for Palatine Township,” said Justin O’Rourke, one of those who drove the citizen-backed petition for the mental health board ballot question. “I’m optimistic that this is going to be a good thing for people. There is no way it can’t be.”