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Paying off debt lowers Kane forest preserve tax levy, despite budget hike

Kane County Forest Preserve commissioners approved a plan to increase the district's operating levy by the maximum amount possible without a referendum for the third straight year this week.

But the actual tax payments to the district will also shrink for the third year, thanks to expiring debt.

Commissioners approved a budget that calls for about $219,000 in new spending. The bulk of the increase will fund 3 percent raises for full-time and part-time staff. Employee insurance costs will also rise 5 percent.

To accommodate those additional costs, commissioners increased the general fund tax levy by 3.34 percent. The increase includes tax money from all expected new construction in the district. It also includes a 2.1 percent Consumer Price Index increase, as allowed by the state's so-called tax cap laws. The general fund pays for the majority of the district's day-to-day operating needs.

As in the two preceding years, the increase in the general fund levy is more than offset by smaller levies in the district's other funds. District officials have closed the books on big chunks of bond debt in recent years.

That means, overall, the district needs less tax money. Taxes paid to the district have dropped each year since 2014-15.

Commissioners unanimously approved the plan, though some recognized there are residents who won't approve. While taxpayers will pay less to the district under the plan, they would have paid even less without the general fund levy increase.

"I am in favor of this," said Commissioner Becky Gillam. "The forest preserve is not the county. We don't collect sales tax. Even by capturing the CPI and the new growth, the cost to taxpayers will not be going up. It will decline a few dollars. This money will let us fulfill our obligations, which are the restoration of the properties we're buying as well as seeds and brush clearing. We have a responsibility to our constituents to have safe facilities and amenities."

Commissioner John Hoscheit also endorsed the plan. He said the tax dollars that flow to the forest preserves is money well spent.

"My constituents all feel the amenities we provide are well worth what they're paying."

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