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McHenry County board approves budget using CPI plus new growth after marathon levy debate
Summary
After more than two hours of procedural votes and repeated motions to reconsider, the McHenry County Board approved a 2026 budget levy based on CPI plus new growth rather than the higher “look back” proposal; board members split sharply over fiscal reserves, the impact on taxpayers and the county’s long-term stability.
The McHenry County Board approved a 2026 budget and property-tax levy based on the consumer-price index (CPI) plus new growth after an extended, often contentious series of motions and roll-call votes.
Supporters of the CPI-and-new-growth approach argued it balances fiscal responsibility with taxpayer protection. “The look back corrects the imbalance. It doesn't undo the referendum. It simply restores our fiscal responsibility,” said Mr. Collins, urging his colleagues to shore up the county’s finances and avoid structural shortfalls.
Opponents called the higher “look back” option a breach of the board’s earlier commitments to voters. “I just want to point out a vote for this is a lie of what we said…
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