By: Diane Benjamin
What happened was democrats proved they have no problem raising your property taxes because government needs your money more than you do.
Last year the Board voted to keep the property tax rate the same which means they grabbed all the increases in assessed value. That amounted to a 13% tax increase.
Chuck Erickson attempted to pass two amendments that would limit the increases. Both failed because the republican chair didn’t vote, both votes were 3-2 against any common sense because there is an equal number of republicans and democrats on this committee. See the members here: https://mcleancountyil.gov/477/Finance-Committee
The County budget has exploded. The procedure has always been department heads make their wish lists and then Administrator Cassy Taylor trims their requests and supposedly presents a balanced budget. “Balanced” includes whatever tax increases are necessary to balance it. The budget then goes to the County Board where your representatives are told they have to pass it. Only minor changes might happen but tax increases are set.
This procedure is what the statement I posted yesterday says:
Is that how you budget?
The discussion was lengthy. Chuck Erickson’s amendments presentation starts at 27:50. There was a public comment at 4:25 by Jackie Beyer on the same topic.
Chuck had many great moments during the conversation. He doesn’t want you to see another 13% increase in your property taxes next year because the rate was kept the same. His second try at an amendment limited increases to 3%. It failed. Since Chuck didn’t run for reelection he won’t be on the board after the November election.
The entire discussion is essential for seeing how your government works: Government has needs and you have to pay.
Below is just one of Chuck’s comments, I suggest strongly watching the entire discussion. The Finance Committee members made sure your elected officials have no control of the budget by failing to limit growth. They also prevented use of reserves, raising property taxes are much easier. Board elections are in November. If democrats become the majority your property taxes will keep going up. They proved it last night.
Jackie can be counted on to do this hard work that shows how the progressive board members keep their hands out all the time wanting more and more and more. We truly have taxation with no representation going on in McLean County. It is a fact that the board most likely will be loaded with democrats this next election cycle. They will defund police and increase property taxes even more to be able to offer more handouts so that we all live perfect equal lives. Just look at Krystle Able’s social media…she believes in fair wages. One Fair Wage. Google it. You cant continue to drive up wages which in turn will effect food costs to the consumer and expect a tip on top of that. Before long what once was a $1.00 cheeseburger at McDonalds will be a $5.00 burger.
If this happens I will have no choice but to shop in Lincoln. I live in McLean and would be a 20 minute drive.
B-N and county has gone to the dogs (and not the cute ones).
Too bad for long time taxpayers and citizens. Progressive projects infiltration of every state, college/university, public service dept and state dept projects calling it “modernization” and innovation and equity has exploited many a citizen for sure. And obviously will continue to do so.
Looks like the GOP chairman of the committee Bill failed to prevent our taxes from by going up.
His
not voting or showing leadership is a total cop-out. Way to go, RINO.
Not surprised at all….typical behaviors from Republicans “aka progressive” agenda lovers and profiteers.
Not voting is voting, just like lying through omission is still lying (I didn’t inhale).
On big issues such as the Immigration referendum, taxes, budget, or party line issues the Party must vote together to serve the interests of the people.
Voting due to “loyalty” for another government agency, or out of fear or popularity isn’t what civil service is about.