LTHS Tax-To-Max Plan Not Questioned

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School board members did not question its top finance official's expectation that the board would increase the property tax levy by 5 percent, the maximum allowed under state law.

Such an increase is expected to bring $3.8 million more to the district's coffers next year.

During a presentation this week, Brian Stachacz, director of business services, reminded the public that a 5 percent increase would not have the same effect on every taxpayer. That's because the county assessor assigns property valuations. This process determines each property owner's share of the tax burden. If one owner's valuation goes down, then others will pick up the slack.

Stachacz estimated the property tax levy would go up another 2 percentage points as a result of new construction. He said estimating that amount before the county provides it later is difficult.

Under state law, a public body can increase the tax levy by the rate of inflation up to 5 percent.

As of December 2022 – when the inflation rate is gauged for tax purposes – it was 6.5 percent.

If the school board approves a 5 percent increase, it would be for the second year in a row.

The school board plans to vote on an estimated property tax levy in November and then a final one a month later.