Antioch Township officials to host public info sessions on referendum

Antioch Township voters are being asked to approve a tax increase that would raise funds to operate parks, the township building and senior services.

“The total operational fund needs to be increased — it hasn’t been in many, many years,” township Supervisor Tom Shaughnessy said.

If approved in the Nov. 3 election, the additional tax for the owner of a $300,000 home would total about $159. Individual bills will vary based on assessed value, exemptions, equalization, and other factors.

The higher rate would raise about $577,567 annually for the township.

Township officials say the current tax rate is enough to provide basic services today, but not sustain them long-term.

Public information sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Vern Thelen Park, 39900 N. Rena Ave., and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Antioch Township Center, 1275 Main St., both in Antioch.

Officials will give an overview of the ballot question, explain current and long-term funding needs, review the estimated tax impact, and discuss services and operations the additional revenue would support.

Senior services, township center improvements and ongoing maintenance at the township’s two parks are long-term needs that are growing, officials say. Priorities were identified through strategic planning, community needs assessments, facility evaluations, public input and previous experience, they added.

In November 2022, voters rejected a measure raising taxes to fund a $16.5 million bond issue to build a combination township hall and multipurpose senior center.

Since then, the township bought and renovated a building on Main Street in Antioch for its offices, in part by selling its share of the former Lake Villa co-op office. The move saved $50,000 a year, Shaughnessy said. Consolidating the assessor’s office in the same building saves $1,300 a month in rent, he added.

Senior services are now completely funded and supported through Antioch Township resources, with substantial growth in participation, according to the township.

Visit the government tab at antiochtownshipil.gov for a Q&A and other referendum information.

mzalusky@dailyherald.com