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Taxes Lowered Again by Glen Ellyn Park District

Posted on: December 15, 2017

Property taxes will be even lower for Glen Ellyn Park District residents in 2018. The Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2018 annual budget on Tuesday, which reflects a rare tax decrease in DuPage County. The referendum bonds that paid for Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center will be retired, resulting in lower taxes.

In real numbers, a property assessed at $400,000 will pay approximately $178.00 less in property tax in 2018 compared to 2016 – an over 30% decrease.

The average tax bill for a resident of the Glen Ellyn Park District dropped by an average of 10.2% on the park-district portion of their 2016 tax bill (payable in 2017) and is estimated to decrease an additional 22% on their 2017 tax bill (payable in 2018).

“I am thrilled that the residents of the Glen Ellyn Park District will pay considerably less in property taxes without a reduction in services or quality” stated Park Board President Julia Nephew. “This could become the norm all over DuPage County if government entities were to follow the leadership and careful financial planning that the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners, followed through by staff, has carefully developed and implemented over the past six years.”

The approved 2018 Budget enables the Park District to continue to provide, improve and increase the recreational opportunities within the District while maintaining and improving existing assets. Capital projects for next year include the replacement of two (2) playgrounds – Main Street Recreation Center and President’s Park; improvement of the main parking lot in front of the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center; Churchill Park bridge repairs; and enhancement of the Lake Ellyn Park path at the south end of the lake near the high school visitor’s spectator stand.

Regarding a possible referendum, constructive discussion and consideration took place as there are several worthy projects including implementation of the Ackerman Park master plan and Sunset Pool improvements. However, the Park Board is confident the current financial condition of the District presents the means to maintain and improve current assets through user fees and its operating tax levy while still offering and providing outstanding recreational opportunities and programs.

Through a culmination of six years of financial planning, the Park District has achieved an operating budget that generates greater revenue than expenses, established and met the requirements of a sensible fund balance policy, created an asset replacement fund, developed an ambitious Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center business plan and resolved the Ackerman roof predicament.

“I am feeling really good that the careful planning and fiscal management the Board and staff have been committed to have enabled us to do the Boathouse restoration and begin the Lake Ellyn Park improvements while staying within our financial means,” said Commissioner Kathy Cornell. “We have many worthwhile projects to do, including ongoing maintenance and needed improvements to our facilities, and I’m confident that with the same approach we’ll continue to have excellent facilities and programming for the community.”

The upgrading of Lake Ellyn Park and the restoration of the Boathouse, which reflected public direction and community input, was paid through operating surplus and non-referendum funding and came in under budget.

“It is the District’s responsibility to serve as conscientious stewards in preserving, protecting and enhancing its assets for the long-term betterment of the community,” said Executive Director Dave Harris.

In the next five years, the Park District will replace outdated playgrounds based on a detailed replacement plan, address infrastructure at the various recreational facilities including Sunset Pool, Main Street and Spring Avenue Recreation Centers, make repairs and improvements to assets such as parking lots, fencing, natural areas, neighborhood parks, athletic parks and implement elements of the Ackerman Park master plan. This will be accomplished utilizing operating surplus and non-referendum bonds.

The Glen Ellyn Park District is fortunate to have many wonderful and diverse assets including neighborhood parks, community properties, athletic fields, green space, water elements and recreational facilities. These assets have been purchased and/or donated and developed utilizing taxpayer’s funds, user fees, and grants and donations.