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Lake County certifies mill levy at 39.5 after board debate
Summary
After debate about whether to raise the mill levy, the Lake County Board certified the county mill levy at 39.5 mills (Resolution 2025-35). Commissioners weighed protecting services against the burden on struggling residents before passing the resolution unanimously.
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners certified the countywide mill levy at 39.5 mills by approving Resolution 2025-35, following a discussion about whether to raise the rate to protect certain services.
County Manager Candace Bryant told the board she built the budget on a 39.5 mill levy. Commissioner (S1) argued against raising the levy, stressing outreach and fiscal-efficiency work currently underway and saying the county is "not underwater" despite tight finances.
"People are under the impression that we're deficit spending, that we are in the red. And I'm like, no. That is not the case," Commissioner (S1) said, adding that raising a blanket tax would disproportionately affect residents already facing rising costs.
Other commissioners said they appreciated staff's efforts to tighten budgets but some favored a higher levy (40 mills) to prevent cuts to programs such as paving and recreation. "I'm in favor of going up to 40 to make sure that some of those services aren't affected like paving and the rec department," Commissioner (S2) said.
Following discussion, Commissioner (S7) moved to approve Resolution 2025-35 to certify the mill levy at 39.5; Candace Bryant seconded. The chair called a voice vote; the board recorded unanimous "Aye" votes and approved the certification.
Bryant said the county will still await a few mill sheets from other taxing entities before full countywide certification and aims to finalize those returns and submit required documents around the 16th. The certified mill levy will be used in the county's revenue projections for 2026 and in filings to the state.
