Urbana SD 116 board approves proposed 2024 tax levy after presentation

The Urbana School District 116 Board of Education approved its proposed 2024 tax levy following a presentation that described why the district often files a “balloon levy.” The board voted yes on the motion to approve the levy during a roll-call vote (Vice President Exum, President Pawlowski, Member Langendorff, Member Baxley and Member Jones voting yes).

The presenter explained that the levy request is a formal request for property-tax revenue and described key terms including equalized assessed value (EAV) and the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly referenced as PTELL). The presenter said the district’s proposed levy is roughly 25% higher than the 2023 extension — a protective practice intended to capture revenue from new construction or from TIF expirations that may not be reflected in early EAV estimates. The staff estimate said the final extension is likely to be lower than the requested amount once county calculations and tax-cap limits are applied; the presenter noted that, despite a requested figure near $59,000,000, the district might expect an extension closer to $50,000,000 absent major unknowns.

Board members asked clarifying questions about how the EAV estimate process and new construction timing affect a property owner’s actual bill; staff reiterated that the county clerk performs the final extension calculation and taxpayer impact depends on individual assessed-value changes. The board also noted the district’s historical practice of balloon levying when large property changes — such as hospital exemptions or significant new construction — could materially change revenues.

The board’s formal approval allows the district to publish a Truth in Taxation notice and move toward the required public hearing and final levy adoption steps later in the calendar. The clerk recorded the roll-call vote in the meeting minutes.