Fox Valley Park District’s Board of Trustees approved a zero percent increase for the fifth consecutive year, a district news release announced Tuesday.

While the FVPD was allowed to levy an increase up to 0.8 percent plus new growth, trustees and Park District directors decided to “not levy for the full amount out of consideration for our residents and the financial challenges many of us may be experiencing in this recovering economy,” Executive Director Jim Pilmer said.

“Because of the district’s decision to levy a flat tax amount again — and the probability of a higher Equalized Assessed Valuation in Kane and DuPage counties — these factors are likely to lessen the tax burden of our residents,” Pilmer said. “The total request for tax receipts for the Park District remains the same as the past five years.”

For each $100 in taxes paid by residents in Kane County, $5.35 of that goes toward the Park District, equating to an annual tax bill of $488 for the owner of a $250,000 home. For a detailed breakdown, visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Board President Bob Vaughan applauded Park District staff for maintaining operations with great efficiency while continuing to keep balanced budgets.

“Holding the line on taxes for five consecutive years is a testament to the excellent staff at the Park District and their commitment to meeting the needs of our 233,000 residents,” Vaughan said. “The Park District strives to create workable solutions because nobody wants to see an increase in their property tax bill.

“We continue to focus on fiscal accountability and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Our staff will continue to explore feasible alternatives and collaborative efforts to ensure maximum efficiencies. It is through careful budgeting and monitoring of expenditures that we have been successful in maintaining a flat levy for five years running.”

The Park District’s levy of $22,063,996 does not necessarily reflect the amount of tax receipts that will be received by the district for next year. Final numbers from Kane, Kendall, DuPage and Will counties are expected in the spring.

Finance Director Diana Erickson said the actual amount collected may be lower due to the restrictions of the Tax Cap Limitation Act; the Consumer Price Index as determined by the state for this year’s levy is 0.8 percent.

“Based on preliminary information received from Kane County, we are estimating an increase of at least 1 percent – and potentially greater – in the Equalized Assessed Valuation for the existing property in our boundaries, which makes it probable that our residents will have an even smaller tax burden,” Erickson said.

SOURCE: Fox Valley Park District news release

About the Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the district maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of inter-connected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. For more information, visit FoxValleyParkDistrict.org or the Fox Valley Park District Facebook page.