Beware of proposal for county home rule

On July 21, a curious thing happened at the McHenry County Board meeting. After many board members criticized Cook County, our board voted to become more like them. Voting 13-4, with all three Democrats and one Republican against, board members approved a non-binding “advisory question” to become “a Home Rule County” on the November ballot.

Home rule provides greater independence per state law, with notably more taxation powers and a very strong county executive limiting board member authority. Many towns have it, like McHenry and Crystal Lake. However, only one out of our 102 Illinois counties has home rule. Several others have considered emulating Cook County, and they've all turned back.

This allows for a lot more taxes with a lot less oversight from state law. To that point, recall the vote last November increasing the property tax levy by 2.9% — that was the maximum legal amount per Illinois' PTELL. Meanwhile, the county is currently wrangling with about a $4 million shortfall for 2027. The board members know this, of course.

Considering our countywide frustration over affordability, with grocery prices up 33% since 2018 and gasoline sitting up around $4, it's no surprise there is already a massive pushback to this referendum. Rare is the thing that unites our partisan divide and yet local Libertarians, Tea Party members and Democrats all oppose this adventure. I certainly do, and will vote against such moves when I'm elected.

Do your research, get ready for the home rule question on your ballot.

Austin May, McHenry