Forest Preserve District of DuPage wants budget increase but needs voter approval to raise taxes

As the November election inches closer, a new referendum has been added to the ballot by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, asking voters for a property tax increase to help pay for new projects as well as maintain and expand its land.

If passed, the referendum would increase the property tax rate for the Forest Preserve District by an additional 0.0350% above the limiting rate or an additional $11.67 per $100,000 of home value during the 2024 levy year.

“We expect that, if approved by the voters, we would receive approximately $17 million additional in operating revenue,” Forest Preserve District Executive Director Karie Friling said in an interview with the Pioneer Press Tuesday.

Last year, the Forest Preserve District was left with a $16.78 million deficit following an increase in operating and supply expenses, according to the Forest Preserve District’s 2024 fiscal year budget.

In a news release Tuesday, the Forest Preserve District said the increase revenue would go towards the following:

· Preserve, restore, and maintain forests, open spaces, and water quality.
· Acquire lands to protect rivers, watersheds, and wildlife habitats.
· Plant trees and enhance flood control and drainage systems.
· Maintain and improve woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
· Provide nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages.
· Increase access and safety in forest preserves.
· Improve recreational amenities like multi-use trails and campgrounds.

Per state law, the Forest Preserve District cannot increase the tax levy over the limiting rate without a voter approved referendum.

Back in April a non-binding referendum was drafted by Oak Brook Village Board Trustee Michael Manzo, intended to seek voter support for the reincorporation of the Forest Preserve District back into the DuPage County government.

Manzo’s referendum has not been approved by the DuPage County Board and is unlikely to make it on November’s ballot.

The tax increase would not be necessary if the Forest Preserve District was reassimilated into the county, Manzo said Tuesday. “It appears to be disingenuous to pass this referendum while blocking ours.”

Over the next decade the Forest Preserve District will attempt to complete its 2019 Master Plan, a series of capital projects still in the works, and acquire about 250 acres of land located throughout different areas of DuPage County, Friling said.

The last time the Forest Preserve District approved a referendum to increase taxes was in 2006, she said. “Since then, we’ve acquired 639 more acres, 30 miles of additional trails have been put in, we’ve done 30 miles of river and stream restorations, and we’ve restored 8,500 acres of natural lands.”

In 2006 the Forest Preserve District received $2.30 for every $100 paid in property taxes, today, it receives $1.50, but the biggest change since 2006, according to Frilling, is the annual number of people visiting the forest preserve nearly doubled from 3 million to 5.5 million.

“Now is the time to start bringing in some additional revenue that will help us maintain this over the next decade,” Frilling said.

Originally Published: July 16, 2024 at 2:56 p.m.