The Lake Bluff Village Board opened a public hearing Nov. 24 on its proposed 2025 property tax levy, heard a presentation on levy mechanics and projected impacts, and advanced the levy ordinance on first reading.

Finance presenter Bettina explained the levy process and the village’s reliance on multiple revenue sources. She said the aggregate levy being recommended is about $5.5 million using a 2.9% CPI adjustment and including an estimate for new construction; the village’s share of the levy was described separately from the library’s request. Bettina said pensions represent roughly 35.25% of the levy, committing about $1.9 million of the total.

She explained the levy is certified in dollars (not a rate) and that increases in assessed value can reduce the rate while keeping the village’s dollar levy roughly constant. Bettina showed comparative data and noted that Lake Bluff’s property-tax portion of a typical tax bill remains a relatively small share compared with other taxing bodies.

The public hearing was continued to the next meeting for additional consideration. The board took a voice vote on the levy ordinance’s first reading and will hold a second reading on Dec. 8.

What’s next: The levy ordinance will return for a Dec. 8 second reading and final certification to the county clerk later in December.