Edgar County board puts budget and levy on display after residents push back on proposed increase

Edgar County Chairman Jeff Boyd opened a public hearing to discuss the county's proposed fiscal-year levy and budget, telling residents the state '105%' notice can make modest increases look much larger. "That's not correct," Boyd said of the headline numbers released by the state's template, adding bluntly, "Taxes are not doubled." The board's initial levy proposal would have raised the county's total levy from about $5,071,000 to roughly $5,440,000, a 7.34% increase.

Residents pressed the board throughout the hearing, describing recent jumps in household costs and asking for clear breakdowns of what the levy funds. Andy Kirby, who identified himself from Country Cove Road, said his household costs rose sharply and asked how the board planned to address immediate affordability concerns: "Our taxes went up recently... my house payment went about $750 in 1 month," he said. County officials answered that assessment increases and multiple taxing bodies — not just the county levy — drive most tax-bill growth, and that some levies (for example the highway levy) must be 'maxed out' to qualify for federal matching money.

Board members outlined where the proposed increase comes from: the county general fund and several special funds, including retirement (IMRF) costs, highway and bridge funds, mental-health levies, county board of health, tort liability and other items. County staff explained IMRF participation and said apparent big percentage swings on small budget lines can overstate actual dollar changes. "The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund," the board said, is the system that covers municipal and county employees.

After hearing substantial resident concern, the board voted to officially "put on display" the proposed budget and levy (a procedural step to allow public review) while agreeing to continue work on cuts intended to reduce the county portion of the levy near or below 5%. Chairman Boyd outlined specific possible reductions — trimming a budgeted surplus, delaying a clock-tower repayment, and reducing one sheriff vehicle replacement among other adjustments — and scheduled a budget workshop at the Highway office to iron out details. The board said final approval of the levy will happen before the state deadline but that it expects to present lower 'not to exceed' numbers following the workshop.

Board members and county staff encouraged residents to review posted documents (minutes, budget lines and meeting video) on the county website and on the county's YouTube channel and to bring specific questions back to the appropriate taxing bodies. Officials said some levies come from referenda or the budgets of semi-autonomous entities (school districts, townships, ambulance districts, HRC/community mental-health bodies) and so removing or reducing those particular levies requires separate action or referenda.

The board also handled routine business during the session: it appointed Samantha McCarty to fill a District 6 vacancy and approved a series of budget transfers and annual resolutions. Officials committed to more community outreach and to posting clearer budget category breakdowns online so residents can see what each levy line funds.

The board emphasized it is still balancing obligations — staff, insurance, mandated services and debt payments — against taxpayer concerns. For now, the levy remains on display to the public while the county pursues additional reductions and schedules a final vote.