St. Charles Property Tax Levy Frozen For Ninth Consecutive Year

ST. CHARLES, IL - From the City of St. Charles: The St. Charles City Council has unanimously voted to freeze the City’s property tax levy for the ninth consecutive year, at its Dec. 4, 2017, meeting. Since 2009, the City’s operating levy has remained flat.

The operating tax levy funds City services, and for 2018 is estimated to be 9.63% of a St. Charles residential property tax bill. For an average $300,000 home, an estimated $854 would pay for a full year of City services, including 24/7 Police, Fire and Public Works services, planning, engineering, economic development, and more.

“City Council and staff have worked hard to ‘hold the line’ on taxes for the better part of a decade,” said St. Charles Finance Director Chris Minick. “We will continue to follow fiscally prudent policies while providing professional, reliable services.”

The City’s tax levy has remained flat in part thanks to a tax strategy, known as tax abatement. When bonds are issued for large capital improvement projects, such as the design and engineering of the City’s new Police Station or improvements along S. Tyler Rd., the City does not use money from property taxes to pay those bonds. Sales, liquor, and hotel/motel taxes are used instead.

“The City’s flat property tax levy speaks volumes to the outstanding financial stewardship of our City staff,” said St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina. “I think it’s important for residents to know their tax dollars are being managed wisely and effectively for the full benefit of our community.”

For more information, contact the City’s Finance Department at 630.762.7002 or finance@stcharlesil.gov.

Image via The City of St. Charles