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Cook council reviews three levy increase options to address 2026 shortfall; decision deferred
Summary
At a Dec. 18 Truth in Taxation hearing, Cook City Council reviewed three proposed property tax levy increases (9%, 7%, 5%) to close a projected $12,510 general fund shortfall and address a $42,360 airport deficit. No public comment was received; the council will decide by resolution at a regular meeting.
At a Dec. 18 Truth in Taxation hearing, the Cook City Council reviewed three proposed property tax levy increases to help close a projected 2026 general fund shortfall and cover an airport deficit; the council took no vote and deferred the levy decision to a future regular meeting.
The meeting record shows 2026 operating revenues of $796,280.00 and operating expenses of $808,790.37, implying a projected general fund shortfall of $12,510.37. Minutes list an airport deficit of $42,360.00 separately.
Council staff presented three levy options. The current levy is reported as $530,892.68. The options listed were a 9% increase — $47,780.35 for a total levy of $578,673.03; a 7% increase — $37,162.49 for a total levy of $568,055.17; and a 5% increase — $26,544.65 for a total levy of $557,437.32. The minutes state the council will select a percentage at an upcoming regular council meeting by formal resolution.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing, according to the record. Mayor Daniel Manick called the special meeting to order at 6:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance was recorded for Mayor Manick and City Councilors Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root and Jess Scofield; several city staff and members of the public were listed in the minutes.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:10 PM moved by Councilor Liza Root and seconded by Councilor Jody Bixby; the minutes record that the motion "carried." The minutes were attested by Madeline Cox (Interim Clerk/Billing & Administrative Clerk) and recorded by Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe. The council’s formal levy decision is on the agenda for the next regular council meeting and will be made by resolution.
