1st Darien Tax Levy Hike In 15 Years

DARIEN, IL – The city of Darien plans to seek its first property tax levy increase in 15 years.

The levy stayed the same even during historic inflation in 2021 and 2022.

All the property tax money now goes to the local police pension system. And the city's recommended police pension contribution for next year is going up by $400,000, to $3 million.

That's the reason for increasing the levy request to $3 million, from $2.5 million, a nearly 20 percent hike.

2009 was the last time that the city increased its general property tax levy. That hike was 2.4 percent.

As with most towns, Darien's contributions to its police pension system have spiked over the years. It was just $200,000 in 2002.

The city makes up about 3 percent or 4 percent of the property tax bill, depending on the school district. Schools make up the overwhelming majority of the bill.

During a discussion at this week's City Council meeting, Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said it was time for a levy increase. She said the city doesn't want to take money from services.

"The reality is that the police pension has increased significantly over the years, and it's going to ramp up even more," she said.

Mayor Joseph Marchese said the state government needs to give towns their historic share of state income tax money. For years, he has lobbied state legislators on that issue.

"This is the second time in 27 years we have raised the levy," the mayor said. "We're raising it for a good reason. We want to make sure the police have a pension."

The City Council unanimously voted for the levy hike request. Officials said they may later reduce the tax levy request through a process known as "abatement."