Hilbert adopts balanced 2025 budget; estimated tax rate rises about 1.8%

The Village of Hilbert Board on Nov. 12 adopted the proposed 2025 budget, a balanced plan showing $870,000 in revenues and $870,000 in expenditures and an estimated village tax rate increase from $5.52 to $5.62 per $1,000 of assessed value. President Tom Roehrig presided over the public hearing and trustees carried the motion to adopt the levy limit and budget (motion: Trustee Ken Stenklyft; second: Loose).

In a slideshow presentation, accountant Ginny Hinz said the budget “balances and no additional funds will be taken from fund balance for projects.” She told the board the tax-rate change—about a 1.8% increase—stems from the new Act 12 policy affecting personal property, which the village does not control. Hinz also characterized Hilbert’s fiscal position as stronger than many other municipalities.

The budget includes a healthy capital program. Hinz identified the year’s street project as Thorn Creek Drive and Tanglewood Way in the Village Meadows subdivision, with an estimated cost of $400,000; she said the village plans to fund the work from current funds and does not expect to borrow. Hinz described Tax Increment District No. 2 (TID #2) as scheduled to end in 2027 with an option to extend for one year; once closed, she said the TID’s remaining assessed value will change how the levy worksheet allocates tax dollars and could lower the mill rate while increasing levy dollars.

The board’s motion to adopt the budget carried without further amendment. The board closed the public hearing and moved into routine business.