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Hebron officials discuss replacement police levy for Nov. 5 ballot
Summary
Village of Hebron officials and a resident public commenter discussed placing a replacement police levy on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot to reduce reliance on the general fund; officials stressed factual outreach and compliance with Board of Elections timelines.
Village of Hebron officials discussed placing a replacement police levy on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot during the Combined Council Committees meeting on June 19.
Village Administrator Jung-Han Chen said Council appears in favor of placing the levy and urged planning for outreach, suggesting "using social media and canvasing neighborhoods in person" to inform residents. Mr. Chen also read the pending legislation list that includes Resolution 24-09, which would authorize the mayor and fiscal officer to place a levy "replacing the existing police levy in excess of the ten (10) mill limitation" on the November ballot.
Visitor Mike McFarland, of 133 Hamilton Avenue, told the council he supports the levy and urged a measure large enough to fund most police needs, saying the Police Department is "mostly funded out of the general fund" and that safety services should not have to compete with other village services. McFarland also said he understands Board of Elections constraints and stated he intends to form a PAC to raise money and advocate for the levy if he proceeds.
Mayor Valerie Mockus urged caution in how the village communicates about the levy, saying officials must be careful not to tell voters how to vote and should instead "present the facts and allow residents to draw their own conclusions." Council members asked about the legislative-reading timeline required to meet Board of Elections deadlines; no formal vote to place the levy on the ballot was recorded during the meeting.
Why it matters: Council members and at least one resident framed the levy as a way to reduce pressure on the general fund and to secure dedicated funding for public safety. The next procedural steps are additional readings of the pending legislation and ensuring any placement on the Nov. 5 ballot meets the Board of Elections’ filing deadlines.
The council did not take a final vote on the levy at the June 19 meeting; Resolution 24-09 remains pending review and readings.
