Frankfort Park District To Ask Voters For Park Preservation Funding

FRANKFORT, IL — Frankfort voters in November will be asked to decide if the Frankfort Park District will be able to raise its portion of property taxes in order to raise additional funds it said are necessary to keep the level of park maintenance and recreational services it provides, according to a news release from the park district.

Specifically, voters will be asked during the Nov. 8 General Election:

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Frankfort Park District, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.112% above the limiting rate for the purpose of funding increased recreational and other park district expenses for levy year 2021 and be equal to 0.2859% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2022?

The proposed referendum was approved to be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot by the Frankfort Park District Board at its Aug. 22 meeting.

Frankfort Park District Executive Director, Gina Hassett, said the park board has been monitoring the need for a rate increase for several years.

“We saw a significant increase in park usage during the COVID-19 pandemic response and it highlighted the critical need for high quality open space in the community,” Hassett said.

She said rising inflation rates, fuel prices and the competitive job market has caused the district to "have to make tough decisions."

“We are looking at cutting costs in order to maintain and improve our existing spaces for our residents,” she said. "Should the referendum fail, the district will look at cutting the annual costs, which may include decreasing the frequency of mowing at neighborhood parks, pushing out playground replacements for an additional five to 10 years and possibly eliminating free community events, such as the July 4th fireworks.”

If voters pass the referendum, property taxes for Frankfort residents with a $400,000 home would increase by $12.44 per month, according to the park district. The referendum would generate $969,655 annually in funding, which will be allocated to park maintenance, working capital and future capital outlay.

The Frankfort Park District is scheduled to host two Town Hall meetings in October to provide residents with further information. Those meetings are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. Oct. 29. Both meetings will be held at the park district's Founders Center, located at 140 Oak St.

Those with questions should reach out the the Frankfort Park District by calling (815) 469-4000 or emailing Hassett at ghassett@frankfortparks.org.