Hampshire board approves multiple SSA levies, tax abatements and corporate levy after public hearings

The Hampshire Village Board approved a package of finance and levy items including administrative reports and tax abatements for Special Service Areas (SSAs) 13 and 14, multiple SSA levies and assessments across the village, and the annual corporate tax levy following a public hearing.

Finance staff explained that SSA refunding activity produced savings in the maximum amounts that can be levied for affected SSAs; administrative reports showed no unpaid taxes for the cited areas. The board reviewed SSA fund balances, maintenance plans (mowing, herbicide, burning and selective clearing) and specific projects that drove levy recommendations. For one SSA—Hampshire Hills (SSA 7)—staff described major machine clearing already completed and an upcoming large prescribed burn estimated near $10,000 as the reason for a proposed 7.5% levy increase.

During the corporate tax levy hearing, staff noted statutory limits (the CPI cap) and the role of new construction revenue in the overall levy calculation; staff estimated new construction would contribute roughly $94,000 this year and projected a small decrease in the tax rate per $300,000 home value compared with last year in the packet’s example. Trustees asked for clarification about how police protection and pension costs were reflected in the levy allocation. After taking public comment and closing the hearing the board adopted the corporate levy and the SSA ordinances by roll call votes as recorded.

The board also approved routine year‑end accounts payable and several administrative resolutions tied to SSA administrative reports and debt service structures. Staff said they would return final codified ordinance text and continue to monitor SSA fund balances and planned maintenance schedules.