Village Anticipates Minimal Property Tax Increase, Stresses 50% Rebate
New Lenox plans to levy about $50,000 more in taxes this year, which would mean about $10 more for the average homeowner. But the Village Board reminded residents that they'll get half their property taxes back.
Despite a small tax increase on the village's property tax levy, New Lenox residents could see a net savings because of an increased tax rebate.
On Monday, the village announced plans to levy about $50,000 more than the village asked for last year. For an average homeowner with a $200,000 house, that means about $10 more paid to the village.
But the Village Board authorized giving half of residents' property tax bills back, up from 40 percent last year. For the average resident, that means an additional $30 back.
The board gave official authorization Monday to rebate 50 percent of these property taxes to eligible residents and reminded those residents to turn in their rebate forms by Dec. 15. About 3,000 people have already returned forms.
Find out if you're eligible to receive the New Lenox property tax rebate.
The equalized assessed value of New Lenox homes is estimated to be down about 5 percent, said village finance director Kim Auchstetter, but she added that there will be about $5.3 million in new growth and annexations.
Overall, the village will levy $2,333,387. Although tax cap laws don't apply to New Lenox, because of its home rule status, the village will not tax above the amount of inflation.
"We promised voters we wouldn't," Mayor Tim Baldermann said. "If we're not doing it now, in the toughest of times, I can't imagine a board that would sit up here and do it."
The board will vote on the tax levy at its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at Village Hall.
| Fund | 2011 Levy |
| General funds (police, streets, community, administration) | $226,366 |
| Garbage collection/disposal | $155,000 |
| State audit | $36,000 |
| Illinois Municiapl Retirement Fund | $570,000 |
| Federal Insurance Contributions | $620,000 |
| Police pension | $726,021 |
| TOTAL | $2,333,387 |
N Yan
9:48 am on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
It seems like every week New Lenox residents are being hit with increases... police station, electric rates, water usage, property tax and the list goes on. I am tired of hearing justification of "we need it" but but but but you are now getting a 50% tax rebate increase. Yes, thanks for that extra $11.24 cents. Oh, don't have to pay the whopping $30 in car sticker but sales tax is going up another .5% as well as electric rates. If I can ever move, I will move out of a village with home-rule status.
RobW
8:55 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011
Finally, someone that sees through the propaganda. If people sat down and compared the tax "breaks" with what they are actually spending; they would be shocked. Dangle lower property taxes in front of people and they will vote for anything. Have taxes EVER gone down with Home Rule? Answer is "NO". Matter of fact, it has been revoked by several cities because it got out of control.
Ed
6:15 pm on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
"Don't worry, sure your taxes are going up $10, but you'll get $5 of that back!!!!" says the salesman. But they're still going up is the bottom line! Do we REALLY need to build these new buildings? I wish we could see a strategic long term plan instead of all these short term tactical moves.