Town and Country Public Library voters reject request to fund retirement benefits

Voters in Elburn-based Town and Country Public Library District overwhelmingly rejected a request to provide taxpayer-funded retirement benefits to employees.

Unofficial vote totals from Tuesday's election show 1,389 were against and 783 in favor of the proposed new tax levy to cover Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund benefits for eligible Town and Country workers. Officials said the measure was pursued to help the district attract and retain qualified employees.

For the 2020 tax bill. the additional expense was estimated at $6.67 for every $100,000 of property value. Officials said a significant majority of Illinois libraries provide IMRF benefits for employees.

Proponents contended Town and Country has been at a disadvantage to attract workers. They also said many libraries cover funding for retirement benefits through a separate tax levy.