They made a typo.

Its Public Act 97-1168 (PA 97-1168).

Not PA 11-1168.

It amended the Conservation District Act.

If you are concerned about Conservation District Property Taxes, it’s probably a good idea to learn more about it.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=098-1168&GA=98

Here are the additions to the Act courtesy of PA 97-1168 / SB 3341.

“(b-5) For the purpose of development of real property, all or a portion of which has been acquired with referendum-approved bonds, a district located entirely within McHenry County may incur indebtedness and, as evidence of the indebtedness thus created, may issue and sell bonds without first obtaining the consent of the legal voters of the district.

Development, for the purposes of this subsection (b-5), shall mean the improvement or maintenance of existing trails, parking lots, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, and other improvements, adding or improving access to conservation areas or district facilities to comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, demolition of unnecessary or unsafe structures, and the stabilization, revitalization or rehabilitation of historic structures.”

“The following do not in any way limit the right of a district to issue non-referendum bonds under this Section: bonds heretofore or hereafter issued and outstanding that are approved by referendum, as described in this subsection (d); refunding bonds issued to refund or continue to refund bonds approved by referendum; and bonds issued under this Section that have been paid in full or for which provisions for payment have been made by an irrevocable deposit of funds in an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest on those bonds to their respective maturity date.”

There are a few other changes, see the link.

Senate Sponsors: Sen. Pamela J. Althoff & Karen McConnaughay

House Sponsors: Rep. Michael W. Tryon & Ann Williams

In a nutshell, this law allows the Conservation District to issue non-referendum bonds to hike property taxes without voter approval.

Supposedly it “fixed” the previous law.

As if taxpayers don’t have enough problems with mounting property taxes.

Hackmatack, too