Palatine Township Sets Historic Precedent

The Palatine Township Board approved the inaugural Community Mental Health Board levy, approximately $1.7 million, fully funding the program for its first year and marking a significant milestone in the Township’s commitment to resident well-being. This action follows the clear mandate delivered by voters through the April 2025 Mental Health Referendum.

The Community Mental Health Board, appointed by Supervisor Andy-John G. Kalkounos and the Township Board, conducted a comprehensive community needs assessment, applied best practices, and developed a fiscally responsible budget that emphasizes accountability and long-term sustainability. The first-year budget includes the establishment of prudent capital reserves, reflecting deliberate and responsible planning by CMHB President Joe Serio and fellow board members.

Equally notable, the adoption of this new levy comes while Palatine Township has kept its existing Township levies flat since 2019. Under Supervisor Kalkounos’ guidance, the Township has expanded services, improved programs, and strengthened operations without increasing the Township tax burden. This balanced approach demonstrates that strong fiscal stewardship and meaningful service expansion can coexist.

“This is an example of good government listening to residents, relying on qualified professionals, and acting with integrity and clarity of purpose,” said Supervisor Kalkounos. “Mental health, physical & intellectual disabilities and substance abuse services are a necessity not a luxury. At the same time, we remain committed to respecting taxpayers through disciplined and responsible financial management which has been clearly demonstrated.”

Palatine Township is the main source of humanitarian aid in our community and one of the most heavily populated in Illinois, with a goal to enhance and improve the quality of life for all of its 115,000 residents. Palatine Township is an award-winning local government, recognized with honors including 2025 Supervisor of the Year, 2024 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award, and Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) awards for 2023 & 2021 Innovative Township Program of the Year and 2016 Caseworker of the Year. Palatine Township remains focused on delivering essential services to: Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, South Barrington, and Schaumburg.