Normal council directs preparation of 2025 property tax levy after debate over $500,000 allocation
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Summary
After debate over an undesignated $500,000 general‑fund line and a library levy increase, the Normal Town Council voted 5–1 to direct staff to prepare the 2025 property tax levy; council separately approved moving $500,000 into the IMRF pensions line.
Normal — The Normal Town Council voted to authorize staff to prepare the town’s 2025 property tax levy following a heated discussion over a $500,000 general‑fund line item and an increase in the Normal Public Library levy.
Staff told the council the proposed levy reflects an overall dollar increase of 4.78% over last year, driven largely by pension obligations — nearly $5,000,000 for police and about $4,000,000 for fire — and additional IMRF, Social Security and Medicare obligations. Finance staff said the town’s levy request would total $11,337,000; with the Normal Public Library’s proposed levy of $4,370,000, the combined levy figure staff cited was about $15,700,000.
The debate centered on a $500,000 line the manager proposed as an undesignated general‑fund contribution. Councilmember Kressley said he supported the increased pension funding but would not back the unspecified $500,000, calling it an added burden for homeowners and saying, “I will not be supporting it tonight.” Councilmember Lorenz asked why the library’s levy rose roughly 9%; staff said the library used reserves to complete renovations and asbestos abatement and is restoring its operating and capital reserves.
To clarify members’ choices, Councilmember Lorenz asked to split the votes; Councilmember McCarthy moved to shift the $500,000 from the general fund to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) line so the dollars would be explicitly directed to pensions. That motion passed on a roll call with all present voting aye. Later, the motion authorizing staff to prepare the 2025 levy passed 5–1, with Councilmember Preston casting the lone no vote.
Councilmembers and staff repeatedly emphasized that the action taken is to direct preparation of the levy; formal adoption will return to the council next month to meet McLean County filing deadlines. Staff said the levy figures will be brought back for formal approval and additional detail on how funds are assigned.