Tax Hike In Park District Of La Grange?

LA GRANGE, IL – The Park District of La Grange is considering a property tax referendum.

At this week's meeting, the park board considered different referendum scenarios. April 4 is the next election.

In an email, Patch asked the district's executive director, Jenny Bechtold, about whether the referendum would mean a tax increase or replacement of an expiring tax.

She responded that officials are in the information-gathering stages.

She said the district recently completed its comprehensive master plan for 2022 to 2032.

"The Park District is exploring the feasibility of completing the projects indicated by our residents through the master planning phase," she said.

The comprehensive plan is on the district's website.

Earlier this year, the park district ended its 30-year arrangement for use of the school district's tennis courts at Catherine Avenue and 53rd Street. Under the agreement, the park district was responsible for maintenance.

When the school district took control of the courts over the summer, it closed them, saying they were in bad condition.

According to the park board's meeting minutes earlier this year, the park district already was struggling to maintain its own facilities, let alone taking care of one it doesn't own.

The school and park districts reached a settlement a couple of months ago.