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Commissioner urges campaign to shift property-tax share from District 91 to close Forest Park shortfall
Summary
Commissioner Nero proposed pursuing a community petition and legal review to reallocate a portion of property-tax revenue currently credited to District 91, estimating the village could gain millions annually; council asked legal staff for options and cautioned the change may require county or state steps.
Commissioner Nero outlined a plan for Forest Park to seek a reallocation of property-tax revenue now going to District 91, saying the village could realize roughly $2 million–$4 million a year without increasing property-tax rates.
"We have to rally together as a community," S2 said, urging a petition-driven process and legal review. He argued low enrollment in district schools and high per-student spending create an opportunity to change how the tax bill is allocated at the county level.
Nero cited figures from his review, saying the district's proposed budget and declining enrollment mean per-student spending in District 91 is unusually high: "It's $38,000, $880 per student," he said. He framed a modest percentage shift in allocation as a way to fund village services without raising residents' rates.
Council members asked for legal and procedural clarity. S5 and others cautioned the allocation method is governed by state formulas and Cook County procedures; S5 noted the Illinois State Board of Education and state statute shape assessments and that the county clerk's office is involved in final steps.
"I'll touch base with legal, and I'll let you know if it is strictly something that has to be handled by the community through, you know, a nonbinding referendum or something like that, or if it's going to take legislation at the state level," S1 said.
Why it matters: The proposal, if feasible, would shift recurring revenue to the village and could change budgeting for public safety, leaf pickup, pensions and other services. Nero asked the council to consider community outreach, fundraising for a petition campaign, and early consultations with the Cook County offices and village legal counsel.
Next steps: S1 said she will consult legal staff and report back on whether the change is achievable via a community petition, nonbinding referendum, or requires state legislative action. The council did not adopt a formal motion to start a petition at this meeting.
