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Tinley Park trustees direct staff toward mid-range tax levy to cover pension and rising costs
Summary
Trustees at the Nov. 18 Committee of the Whole meeting instructed staff to pursue levy option 3b (a mid-range increase, roughly 2–3%) for formal approval Dec. 16 after discussion of police pension liabilities and other rising costs; staff said options are below the Truth in Taxation threshold.
Trustees in the Village of Tinley Park on Nov. 18 directed staff to pursue a mid-range tax levy increase identified as option 3b and prepare the levy for a vote at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting.
The decision followed a staff presentation and discussion of three levy options. Hannah, a village staff member, told trustees, “All the options presented are below 5% and don't trigger the Truth in Taxation Act,” meaning the village would not be required to hold a separate public hearing under that state law.
Trustee Shaw led the discussion and said after reviewing financial documents he believes "now is the time" to move forward with an increase. Trustees cited rising operating costs, a million-dollar-plus impact from police pension obligations and limited outside funding.
Trustee Mueller highlighted the recent growth in pension liabilities, saying the police pension increase for the year is "about $269,000 or about 4.9%" and noting the prior-year payment was $654,130 and the year prior was about $676,000. Trustees and staff said those pension costs consume a significant portion of levy capacity and have constrained capital spending.
Several trustees said they favored option 3b — a mid-range increase the board characterized in discussion as roughly 2–3% — which staff estimated would translate to about $40–$44 per average household when spread across the village’s taxable base. Trustee Sullivan said, “I don’t think that's a significant amount,” in support of the choice.
The board made a motion, called the roll and the motion carried, with the board giving direction to proceed with option 3b. Hannah said staff would prepare the formal levy document for the Dec. 16 meeting.
The next formal step is the Dec. 16 board meeting, when trustees will be asked to approve the levy ordinance. Because staff said the chosen option remains below the Truth in Taxation threshold, no additional public hearing is required under that statute.
