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McHenry County Conservation District outlines November ballot proposition, says $27-a-year on $300,000 home will fund habitat, water and trails
Summary
The McHenry County Conservation District told the county Board of Health it is asking voters Nov. 5 to approve a 0.027% increase to its limiting tax rate that the district says would sustain restoration, water-quality protection and trail upkeep; presenters said the increase would cost the owner of a $300,000 home about $27 a year and stressed the measure is separate from a community 'vote‑yes' group.
Elizabeth Kessler, executive director of the McHenry County Conservation District, told the county Board of Health that residents will see a proposition on the Nov. 5 general‑election ballot asking to increase the district’s limiting tax rate by 0.027% to preserve and expand conservation work.
Kessler said the district has protected more than 25,800 acres and highlighted habitat restoration, water‑quality protection and improved recreation access as the primary uses of the funds. She said the district’s general obligation bonds will retire in 2026 and that the levy change would provide a steady funding source for restoration and maintenance; she added homeowners with a $300,000 home would see about $27 a year (roughly $2.25 per month) in increased taxes while the district also expects a $94 reduction in an existing conservation district line tied to retiring bonds.
The presentation included a short video and examples of planned uses: restoring stream and river corridors, expanding habitat restoration work that the presenters said grew from about 6,500 acres to 15,500 acres since the 2007 referendum, resurfacing major trails including the Prairie Trail, improving access at Glacial Park and Fox Bluff Conservation Area, and enhancing amenities such as parking lots, boardwalks and fishing piers.
Board members asked for assurances the bond retirement and tax changes are guaranteed. Kessler responded that the bonds are scheduled to retire in 2026 and said the district’s board plans a resolution to abate the debt; she described the math behind the stated homeowner impacts and reiterated that, by law, the proposed rate change requires voter approval. She also explained that annual public audits would show how revenues are spent.
A board member raised questions about public advocacy: a member of the board’s foundation offered to lend names to a separate “vote yes” campaign. Kessler and others clarified that the conservation district and its staff are distinct from the independent campaign group; the presenter said the vote‑yes group is not the Conservation District and that those interested in endorsing that campaign should contact the foundation or campaign organizers, not district staff.
No formal county action on the proposition was taken during the meeting; the presentation was for informational purposes and a shorter version of the video and more information were made available on the district’s website and YouTube channel.
What’s next: the district said early voting begins Sept. 26 and the general election is Nov. 5, with polling places open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
