DARIEN, IL – Nearly two-thirds of voters in Tuesday's election approved a property tax increase to help pay for mental health services.
According to unofficial results, 36,871 voters voted for the hike, while 20,432 were against.
The tax would cost the owner of a $400,000 house $67 a year, according to the township.
In a statement Wednesday, the township's elected supervisor, Kim Savage, said, "The township is pleased with the overwhelming community support. At this time, I estimate that the tax levy will be approximately half of the maximum rate that was approved."
In a resolution in July, the township board said a growing gap exists between available resources and the service needs for mental health, substance abuse and those with intellectual disabilities.
The referendum's passage means the township's creation of a mental health board.
The township includes all or parts of Darien, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge and Downers Grove, among other towns.
According to the tax supporters' website, Downers Grove Township is alone among DuPage County's nine townships without a mental health board.
The supporters said the tax money can be distributed through small, yearly grants to agencies that provide mental and substance abuse services.
Townships are far smaller than government entities such as school districts and municipalities. They generally get less public and media scrutiny.
Under state law, townships have three mandated jobs – maintenance of roads in unincorporated areas, assessment of property values and distribution of "general assistance" to the poor in limited circumstances.
Many suburban townships also choose to offer a variety of social services.
Most states don't have townships.
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