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La Grange opens public hearing on renewing Special Service Area 7 for Central Business District
Summary
The board opened a public hearing on a proposed 20‑year renewal of Special Service Area 7, which funds maintenance and amenities in the Central Business District; a resident asked whether the SSA operates like Chicago business improvement districts and staff said the levy helps "defray" costs and would remain at 2.5% plus CPI.
The Village of La Grange held a public hearing March 24 on a proposed 20‑year extension of Special Service Area 7 (SSA 7), the tax district that helps fund maintenance, landscaping, lighting, signage and snow/leaf removal in the Central Business District.
President pro tem Gail explained SSA 7—established in 2004 by ordinance—and said an extension is required to continue funding special and unique downtown services. Resident Randy Valenta asked whether the SSA in La Grange functions like business improvement districts in Chicago and whether the levy cited in renewal notices (about $119,618 for FY 2024–25) covers all costs.
Village staff said the SSA "does help defray the cost" but may not cover every expense. The village attorney noted Chicago’s business improvement districts are organized differently and that the proposed renewal maintains a 2.5% rate with annual CPI adjustments, consistent with the SSA’s prior practice. No vote was taken; the hearing was opened and then closed following public comment.
