McHenry Co. Conservation District Referendum Too Close To Call

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A slight majority is opposing a referendum that appeared on McHenry County voters ballots that would help pay for McHenry County Conservation District services and upgrades.

With all precincts reporting, the proposition to increase the limiting rate for the conservation district had 74,483 "yes" votes compared to 74,761 "no" votes as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to unofficial results.

If the referendum passes, the conservation district would increase its levy by $3 million, with plans to use the extra funds to protect water and wildlife habitats in the county. The conservation district also hopes to upgrades its facilities to facilitate those with disabilities.

Current taxes will go down if the referendum passes or fails but will drop much more if it fails, according to Shaw Local News Network. If it passes, the owner of a $300,000 home would plan to pay $209 in taxes next year and $115 in 2026 but if it fails, they would pay $88.

Here is how the referendum appeared on voters ballots:

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.027% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purposes of protecting drinking water sources, protecting the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, providing park access for people with disabilities, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting forests and planting trees, improving and maintaining existing conservation areas, and other lawful purposes of the Conservation District, and be equal to 0.109660% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?

(1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $9,250,889, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $12,272,592.

(2) For the 2024 Levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $9.

(3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2024 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law).

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