Vernon Township Reduces Overall Tax Burden for Third Straight Year
The Vernon Township Board has approved a tax levy freeze and a 10% reduction in the Highway Department levy, effective fiscal year 2020; both moves are integral parts of an ongoing trend to streamline operations. This is the third year in a row that the overall tax burden has been reduced by the Township.
Under Supervisor Jonathan Altenberg's leadership, the Township has sought out grants from the State of Illinois totaling $1million to return tax dollars to constituents whenever possible. Additionally, these efforts allow the Township to increase services without impacting the tax levy.
"We continue to be resourceful in an effort to ensure we are running as lean as possible, while working to increase service offerings for our residents," Altenberg said. "Through state grants and partnerships with neighboring taxing bodies, we are making good on our promise to do whatever possible to lessen the financial burden on Vernon Township stakeholders."
Other efforts include the elimination of the highway commissioner position, effective fiscal year 2021, which will result in $100,000 in savings. Altenberg cited the utilization of state highway grants to ensure roads are maintained more economically and efficiently, relative to the consolidation effort. Over the last several months, nearly $11,000 of redundant office systems were also identified and eliminated.
General assistance services have increased for in-need residents through the food pantry and the newly established Vernon Township Garden, which provides fresh produce to those who utilize the food pantry. Additionally, senior services have been bolstered through the 'Prime Timers' program (55 and over) as the Township looks to strengthen transportation offerings for seniors and the elderly, through new partnerships with the Village of Buffalo Grove and the Buffalo Grove Park District. Other benefits from this collaboration could include opportunities to obtain sustainable energy grants, and to improve park programming to benefit Township residents.
For more information about Vernon Township, please call 847-634-4600 or visit vernontownship.com.
About Vernon Township
The mission of Vernon Township is to carry out the duties and responsibilities of Township government as prescribed by Illinois law. These goals are accomplished by providing for the health, safety and welfare of all Township residents, and to maintain highways and property of the Township both professionally and economically. Additionally, the Township provides a wide variety of services and giving programs throughout the year for qualifying individuals and families who reside in the Township, including Emergency Assistance, help with heating bills and access to the Vernon Township Food Pantry, as well as transportation for citizen within the Township.
Services are available to residents in all or portions of the villages of Buffalo Grove, Indian Creek, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, the City of Lake Forest, and unincorporated Vernon Township. For more information about Vernon Township, please call 847-634-4600 or visit vernontownship.com.