Village Approves Tax Increase, but Still Proud of Low Rate

The New Lenox Village Board approved a property tax increase Monday night, but village officials are proud they've been able to rebate taxes and keep the rates down compared to other county municipalities.

The village will levy $2,280,969 in 2010 property taxes, up 3.8 percent, or $84,820, from the 2009 levy. Village finance director Kim Auchstetter said most of that is funded by new growth. Auchstetter has a brochure available to the public that breaks down key notes regarding the property tax bill that residents may pick up at the .

Village officials know that people are upset about increased taxes, but they point to several factors to ease the concern.

"I'm proud that we have one of the very lowest tax rates in Will County," Mayor Tim Baldermann said at the board meeting. "We made a promise to the people that we would stay under the tax cap, and we have." 

The village's tax rate is estimated to be 0.2743, which means about 27 cents for every $100 of equalized assessed valuation, and that's lower than other county municipalities. For example, the 2009 rate in Frankfort was 0.34 and Manhattan was 0.9072. Additionally, the village's tax levy makes up about 4 percent of the property tax bill; the largest amount, about 68 percent, goes to the New Lenox School District 122 and the Lincoln-Way High School District 210. 

The levy covers about 9 percent about the village's $24.1 million operating budget for 2010-11, and most of the levy (88 percent) goes toward required state and federal programs. Here's a breakdown of how the 2010 New Lenox tax levy will be used:

For a taxpayer with a home valued at $200,000, this would mean $182.87 in taxes paid to the village. But the village has also rebated its property taxes the past couple years.

Baldermann used the opportunity to discuss the . Eligible residents may receive a 40 percent rebate on their 2009 property taxes, but the application deadline is Wednesday. For that $200,000 home, this would mean paying about a total of $109 to the village.

Residents must return the application to the village with copies of their Illinois driver's license or state ID, their most recent utility bill and their 2009 property tax bill. A copy of your property tax bill may be requested through the Will County Treasurer's website. For more information about the tax rebate program, you can download a packet above, where the photo is, or go to the village's website.

"Taxes are high, but that's what you get when you want great schools in your community and to live in a safe place," Baldermann said. "But not necessarily here. Because of good fiscal management we make it go a long way."