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Manteno trustees decline to expand property tax rebate amid $1.64 million deficit
Summary
After extended debate about fiscal capacity and previous rebate history, the board voted down Ordinance 26-03 to expand or alter the property tax reimbursement program, with trustees citing a $1.64 million budget deficit and competing priorities such as municipal services.
The Village Board debated Ordinance 26-03, which would establish a tax reimbursement account and authorize distributions to owners of taxable homestead property for the 2025 tax year.
Supporters of increasing the rebate urged the board to provide relief for residents facing rising costs; one trustee proposed a 50% tax rebate and said returning money to homeowners would help those on fixed incomes and demonstrate responsiveness to taxpayers. Opponents warned that the village faces a current budget deficit of about $1.64 million and cautioned that expanding the rebate would increase the shortfall by roughly $600,000, putting next year's garbage and other commitments at risk.
Trustee statements cited cumulative returns the village has provided in prior years: $5 million in property tax rebates over several years and about $4.7 million in garbage rebates, which some trustees said made continuing that program difficult without new revenue sources. Trustees pressed for evidence of where additional funds would come from and emphasized fiscal responsibility.
On the roll call vote the motion to approve Ordinance 26-03 failed; recorded votes at the meeting showed only Trustee Barry in favor, with multiple trustees voting no or abstaining, and the ordinance did not pass.
Trustees said the conversation underscored a broader budget discussion they will continue in committee and finance meetings before making any future commitments to rebate programs.
