Elgin council advances truth-in-taxation hearing as proposed 2026 levy would raise typical homeowner about $150 a year
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Summary
The council voted to advance the proposed 2026 levy to a Truth in Taxation hearing after staff showed a 13.2% levy increase would raise an example Elgin homeowner’s city portion roughly $150 annually. Council set procedural dates and urged public input before final adoption.
The Elgin City Council on Nov. 19 voted to advance a proposed property-tax levy for tax year 2025 to a Truth in Taxation public hearing, setting a schedule that includes a Dec. 3 hearing and further budget deliberations before a final vote in mid-December.
Management analyst Gio Lungo presented a representative tax bill for an Elgin residence with an assessed value near $253,722 to show how a proposed 13.2% levy increase would affect the city portion. Lungo told the council the example homeowner would pay roughly $84 more to the general portion and about $64 more into the pension portion — a combined increase of about $150 a year, or about $12.50 a month. Lungo cautioned the figures are illustrative and depend on county assessment data and exemptions.
City staff framed the hearing and schedule as part of an orderly process that allows retailers, taxpayers and taxing districts to review proposed numbers. City management said the Truth in Taxation hearing will be followed by a formal public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget and three-year financial plan prior to a final council decision.
Why it matters: The levy decision factors into the city’s ability to fund core services and to meet rising pension obligations. Staff stressed that even if the general levy stays flat, pension costs can push the city portion of bills upward.
The next step: The council advanced the measure to the Dec. 3 Truth in Taxation hearing and will continue budget deliberations on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 before a final vote.