The St. Charles City Council has unanimously voted to freeze the city’s property tax levy for the ninth consecutive year. Since 2009, the city’s operating levy has remained flat.

The operating tax levy funds St. Charles city services, and for 2018 is estimated to be 9.63 percent of a St. Charles residential property tax bill.

For an average $300,000 home, an estimated $854 would pay for a full year of city services, including 24/7 police, fire and Public Works Department services, planning, engineering, economic development and more.

“City Council and staff have worked hard to ‘hold the line’ on taxes for the better part of a decade,” said St. Charles Finance Director Chris Minick. “We will continue to follow fiscally prudent policies while providing professional, reliable services.”

St. Charles’ tax levy has remained flat in part thanks to a tax strategy known as tax abatement. When bonds are issued for large capital improvement projects, such as the design and engineering of the city’s new police station or improvements along South Tyler Road, the city does not use money from property taxes to pay those bonds. Sales, liquor, and hotel/motel taxes are used instead.

“The city’s flat property tax levy speaks volumes to the outstanding financial stewardship of our city staff,” said St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina. “I think it’s important for residents to know their tax dollars are being managed wisely and effectively for the full benefit of our community.”

For more information, contact the city’s Finance Department at 630.762.7002 or finance@stcharlesil.gov.

SOURCE: city of St. Charles news release

About the City of St. Charles

City of St. Charles Mission: Heritage. Community. Service. Opportunity. Friendly neighborhoods, unique architecture, beautiful parks, cultural amenities and innovative schools have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000.

More than 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine. www.stcharlesil.gov

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