Split La Grange Board OKs Tax Hike

LA GRANGE, IL – A split La Grange Village Board took the first step Monday toward increasing the village's property tax levy – the total amount it collects – by 4.5 percent next year.

Two trustees wanted to hike the levy even more, to 5 percent, which is the maximum allowed under state law. That mirrored the village's administration's recommendation.

Under state law, public bodies can increase their levies with the rate of inflation, up to 5 percent.

In the last two years, inflation has exceeded 5 percent. As of December 2022 – when the inflation rate is gauged for tax purposes – it was 6.5 percent.

Last year, the board voted against the administration's recommendation for a 5 percent increase, going with 4 percent instead.

Because of last year's decision, the village will lose out on $115,000 a year going forward, the board was told.

Trustee Lou Gale proposed a tax levy increase of 4 percent, but went with Trustee Peggy Peterson's suggestion of 4.5 percent.

He said trustees often hear complaints about property taxes. Going with a slightly lower levy increase, he said, demonstrates that trustees appreciate residents' concerns.

However, Trustee Beth Augustine said the village's costs continue to grow, so it should go with the 5 percent.

"The village stands to lose out a lot more in not accepting what we're fully allowed to gather," she said.

Trustee Glenn Thompson agreed. He said the village would fall further behind with things such as flood control if it fails to raise taxes to the cap.

"It's not a huge impact on our citizens," he said.

The board voted to increase the levy to 4.5 percent, with Augustine and Thompson dissenting. Shawana McGee was absent.

Burr Ridge, Darien and Elmhurst are planning to keep their property tax levies the same as last year. Meanwhile, Hinsdale is raising its levy to the state cap.

In La Grange, the village and the library make up about 15 percent of the property tax bill, while schools take up two-thirds.