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O'Fallon staff previews 2025 tax‑levy estimates and asks council to suggest Build O'Fallon Trust projects
Summary
Finance staff presented preliminary property‑tax levy estimates and recommended a $50,000 annual abatement from a one‑time state IMRF payment; council and staff also opened a discussion of Build O'Fallon Trust capital priorities including parks, Bonita Bridge and a tourism website plan.
Sandy (finance staff) presented a preliminary 2025 tax‑levy estimate and a package of capital‑project planning topics to the committee. The presentation was described as preliminary and subject to county EAV (equalized assessed value) updates, Board of Review adjustments and ongoing valuation changes.
Staff recommended a multi‑year approach for an IMRF shortfall: last year the state provided a one‑time payment (about $270,000) to offset disabled‑veteran exemptions; that state aid was not renewed. To soften the impact on residents, staff proposed abating $50,000 per year for five years (reducing the immediate levy request for IMRF from $425,000 to $375,000). The finance presentation noted an overall preliminary levy increase request of roughly 4.93 percent given current estimates and funding needs for fire protection, EMS and pensions. Fire apparatus and equipment costs were highlighted; staff said a new ladder truck could cost about $2.1 million and that levy revenues are a primary funding source for those items.
Separately, the committee opened a council‑level conversation about the Build O'Fallon Trust (the quarter‑cent sales‑tax capital fund). Staff reminded the council the trust is intended for larger capital projects (generally above $100,000) and that park projects often dominate requests because they lack dedicated funding sources. Council members suggested priorities to evaluate in next year's budget process including the Bonita Bridge replacement, field‑house parking, northwest and northeast park projects and a tourism/visitor website/mobile tool to help visitors and tournament attendees shop locally. Staff noted a DCEO grant could offset tourism website costs but that a website also requires ongoing personnel support to liaise with hotels and event organizers.
The items discussed will be refined during the November finance meetings and returned to the council as part of the formal levy and budget process; no committee vote was required for the preliminary levy presentation or the Build O'Fallon Trust discussion.
