Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Taxation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fox River Grove board amends Hunters Farm SSA levy to $18,500 after resident objections
Summary
The Village of Fox River Grove amended a proposed Hunters Farm Special Service Area levy from $23,500 to $18,500 on Dec. 20 after residents raised concerns about the calculation and contested whether an objection petition applied to the increase.
The Village of Fox River Grove board on Dec. 20 amended a proposed Hunters Farm Special Service Area (SSA) tax levy to $18,500 following public objections and discussion about the levy calculation and applicable statute.
Kevin Witek, a Hunters Farm resident, told the board he believed an objection petition submitted by residents applied to the proposed increase and asked for clearer expense detail and adjusted replacement schedules to spread costs over a longer timeframe. "I very much appreciated the additional information provided by staff," Witek said, and urged compromise to produce a predictable budget for residents.
Chris Gants, another Hunters Farm resident, cited the state statute in the hearing, reading language from Section 35 ILCS 200/27-55 and arguing the petition should be accepted. Administrator Soderholm responded that the Village attorney advised the board the objection-petition procedure in that statute does not apply to an SSA tax levy that remains within limits set when the SSA was created.
During discussion Trustees signaled a willingness to compromise. "When times were tough last year the board reduced the SSAs by almost half," Trustee Andrew Migdal said, adding he would be inclined to accept a lower figure. Trustee Melissa Schladt moved to amend the Hunters Farm levy to $18,500; Trustee Steve Knar seconded. The five members present — Trustee Jennifer Curtiss, Trustee Knar, Trustee Migdal, Trustee Schladt and Village President Marc McLaughlin — voted unanimously "yes." The amendment passed and replaced the $23,500 figure that had been on the agenda.
The hearing had opened with Administrator Soderholm explaining the board holds a hearing when more than a 5% increase is proposed and noting the same notice requirement would apply to the Talon SSA. The board closed the Hunters Farm hearing before taking the amendment and vote.
The amendment to Ordinance 2022-17 sets the Hunters Farm SSA levy at $18,500. The board did not record further revisions to the SSA schedule at the meeting; residents noted requested changes to replacement schedule timing and sought more detail on forecasted expenses.
