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O'Fallon council advances annual levy ordinance amid debate over tax impact
Summary
Council approved first reading of an ordinance to set the city’s annual levy for the 2025–2026 fiscal period after debate about how the requested dollar amount could raise homeowners' property-tax bills; staff said the increase is tied to pension and public-safety obligations and the final rate will be set by county processes in spring.
The O'Fallon City Council approved on first reading an ordinance providing for the city’s annual levy for the fiscal period beginning January 2025 and ending April 2026, after a split discussion about its effect on homeowners.
Council Member Parchment moved to introduce the levy ordinance; it was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. During discussion, Council Member Roach (speaking remotely) and Council Member Todd raised concerns that the dollar amount the city is seeking would translate into higher property-tax bills for many residents. Roach offered an example saying a $250,000 house could see roughly $86–$90 more under the proposal and argued the council should seek a lower dollar amount or a levy request that would keep the tax “rate” similar to last year.
Finance staff member Sandy Evans responded that the city sets a dollar amount and that multiplicative adjustments (the “multiplier”) are calculated outside the city’s direct control by county and state processes tied to assessment equalization. Evans said she was confident the full $30-per-$250,000 example cited by critics was unlikely to materialize, but she could not guarantee the final rate; the final tax rate depends on assessment and multiplier adjustments that are not finalized until March or April. Evans said much of the requested levy increase reflects obligations for fire, EMS and police pensions.
Council members pressing to reduce the levy framed their objections around the broader cost pressures households face this year, including rising energy and grocery costs. Council members supporting the ordinance emphasized the city’s budgetary needs, particularly retirement and public-safety funding.
On the roll call the ordinance advanced with three recorded no votes; the mayor announced the motion carried. As a first-reading action, the ordinance moves forward for subsequent consideration and the final tax rate will be determined after county assessment adjustments are finalized next spring.
The council plans no immediate change to the levy request; staff reiterated they will report final numbers once assessed values and multipliers are posted.
