From the minutes of the McHenry County Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting from mid-November:
Mr. [Joe] Gottemoller provided a comprehensive analysis of the county’s fiscal management over the past decade.
He highlighted that the county’s property tax levy has decreased from $78 million in 2014 to $65 million in the current budget, reflecting a $13 million reduction.
In contrast, local school districts have significantly increased their property tax levies over the same period, despite declining student populations.
Mr. Gottemoller noted that the average $350,000 homeowner in McHenry County has saved $1,200 in property taxes over the past 10 years due to the county’s fiscal restraint.
He emphasized that the county has maintained essential services without incurring debt, even as the region faces funding challenges for transit and other critical services.
During the discussion, Mr. Gottemoller acknowledged the county’s strong fiscal management but suggested that the board consider a one-year property tax levy reduction to provide relief to taxpayers, given current economic conditions and recent election outcomes.
Mr. Gottemoller cautioned against this approach, arguing that while the county has sufficient reserves, reducing the levy could jeopardize long term financial stability, particularly in light of potential cost increases and revenue shortfalls.
The discussion underscored the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while balancing taxpayer relief with the need to sustain essential services and infrastructure. Although there was some debate on the appropriate level for the property tax levy, the consensus was that the county has demonstrated sound stewardship of taxpayer resources.
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While the levy for property taxes was lowered this year, although for not as much as seemed promised when the pitch was made to totally replace the 708 Mental Health Board levy with a referendum-approved quarter of one percent sale tax (which passed), the total amount of the levy reduction can be re-captured next year by a Board vote.
