Oak Forest Residents To Pay More In City Portion Of Property Taxes

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest residents will see an increase in the city's portion of their property tax bill, after officials this week passed a tax levy with an increase from last year.

On December 10, the Oak Forest City Council approved a 2024 tax levy of $12,299,243, resulting in an increase of $438,941 or 3.7 percent from last year.

Homeowners will see an estimated annual property tax increase of $50 on the city’s portion of the real estate tax bill, the City said in a release.

The tax levy calculation requires an increase of $640,000 in property taxes due to fiscal year 2026 operating expenses, capital projects, and authorized full-time personnel. The City pulled from its reserves to offset the impact to residents somewhat, according to the release.

"Realizing that many residents and business owners are struggling from increased energy, food and interest costs due to inflation," the City said, "the City is using $200,000 of general fund reserves to close the gap. Utilizing reserves is a short-term strategy to minimize the tax levy this year. Even with the withdrawal from the reserves, the city meets its fund balance policy."