Village Approves 2011 Property Tax Increase
New Lenox will levy about $50,000 more in taxes this year, which means about $10 more for the average homeowner than last year. But the Village Board reminded residents that they'll get half their 2010 property taxes back.
The New Lenox Village Board approved a minimal property tax increase Monday night, but again stressed this week's deadline to turn in forms to rebate half of the 2010 property taxes.
For an average homeowner with a $200,000 house, you'll pay about $10 more in property taxes to the village this year. But because the village will refund 50 percent of 2010 taxes, many residents will see a net savings.
The village will levy $2,333,387, which is about $50,000 more than last year. 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.
Property taxes make up about 9 percent of the village's $26.7 million operating budget, and the bulk of it funds mandated expenses, including retirement funds and police pensions.
| 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 |
In a brochure, the village says the reason for the increase in taxes is because of a drop in the assessed valuation of homes, as well as new costs outpacing tax increases over the last decade.
"These increases, of which many are beyond our control, can be attributed to a growing population, increased and improved services and mandated programs," the village's literature reads.
The village also touts a lower tax rate than other nearby municipalities. New Lenox's 2011 limiting rate is $0.2906, compared to 2010 rates in Frankfort (.3398) and Manhattan (.6764). The village's taxes account for about 4 percent of your property tax bill.
Deadline for Tax Rebate Approaches
Residents eligible for the 50 percent tax rebate must turn in the forms they received to Village Hall by this Thursday, Dec. 15. To learn more about your eligibility and what you need to get the rebate, read more here: Deadline for Property Tax Rebate is Thursday
bruce bialek
3:24 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
what about the people who live in new lenox and are unincorporated but still have to pay the increase tax. we don't get any taxes back at the end of the year we can't even vote for the mayor. this is crap. our goverment at work
Jim
8:16 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Another tax increase in New Lenox? Same story! How much does the rebate program cost to administer? Why not keep our money, cut the unnecessary costs, and actually lower our taxes? We need big changes with this local government.
Susan
9:04 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Look at the numbers! Almost half of the taxes fund PENSIONS! Do you have a pension? Just asking.
David H
10:18 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
So we:
1. Get a utility discount then they raise utility taxes
2. Get a real estate tax rebate and get a 1% home rule tax
3. Remove village stickers but get a .5% home rule tax increase
4. Now we get a $10 increase in real estate tax but get reminded they give back $5.
Nothing like a shell game to keep it interesting.
Michael Sewall
10:51 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
David, to clarify the 50 percent rebate is for 2010 property taxes from the 2011 tax bill. The $10 average increase is for 2011 property taxes on the 2012 tax bill. Overall, the tax rebate for the average resident isn't $5, it's $150.
You can read more here: http://newlenox.patch.com/articles/deadline-for-property-tax-rebate-is-thursday
Robert Nork
11:18 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
There is always a "but" with the Village of New Lenox - We will reduce your electricity rate, "but" ..... We will refund your taxes, "but" ... David- you are right they are never straight with us. Jim I agree - Mayor Baldermann I would like to vote for you next time, "but"...
DRK
3:58 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wait until the new rates for Chicago water kicks in!
Ed
8:24 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2011
I love how they use a house valued at $300,000 to provide an "average rebate" but a house valued at $200,000 to provide an "average increase." I agree with the previous posters, reduce the bill 40-50% and let us keep the money and cut out the expensive and cumbersome shell game.
Missy
10:43 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
We need to start voting people OUT of office here in New Lenox. Why people voted for our current mayor yet again, astounded me.
hazelgreen
10:01 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
So people who are living in unincorporated New Lenox don't qualify for the rebate, correct?