DuPage Forest Preserve 2022 budget keeps property tax levy flat

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County approved a 2022 budget that continues to demonstrate the agency's value to DuPage County residents.

"It's a very exciting time in the district," said Andrew Brown, district director of finance and administration. "The board approved a budget that includes many great projects and services for residents and visitors to district properties with no increase in the total tax levy extended to property owners."

Initiatives slated for funding in 2022 include continued master plan implementation, continued investments in landfill infrastructure, administrative initiatives such as leadership and employee training and development programs, and IT infrastructure upgrades.

The budget includes $47 million in operating expenses and $48.8 million in capital expenses.

In November, the board approved a $51.3 million tax levy for 2021, which is a zero percent increase over the 2020 tax levy.

The district will utilize $21.7 million of the tax levy to pay outstanding debt service.

An average of 2% of a DuPage County homeowner's tax bill funds the district's budget.

For example, a homeowner with property that has an assessed valuation of $300,000 pays on average only $118 annually to the district.

This portion of the tax bill supports annual operations and improvements to ensure taxpayers continue to enjoy numerous services within the district's 26,000 acres of land, 60 forest preserves, 600 acres of lakes and 166 miles of trails.

For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district's e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.