The Property Tax Debate: Parks and Recreation is the Best Value in Town!

Recently I watched a television program Chicago Tonight.  One of the segments focused on the state’s task force to consolidate and dissolve local governments.  As many of you know Illinois leads the country with the most units of government.

 

1.Illinois: 6,964

2.Texas: 5,148

3.Pennsylvania: 4,898

4.California: 4,426

5.Ohio: 3,843

6.Kansas: 3,827

7.Missouri: 3,769

8.Minnesota: 3,673

9.New York: 3,454

10.Wisconsin: 3,129

 

In Illinois the local breakdown is:

1.Special Districts: 3,227

2.Towns or Townships: 1,431

3.Municipalities: 1,298

4.School Districts: 905

5.County: 102

 

So what does this mean related to the ongoing debate related to property taxes and tax relief?  Consider the following:  In the community I serve there are five school districts made up of one high school district (2 schools) and four elementary school districts (12 schools).  Those five school districts have a combined enrollment of 9,592 students and projected 2015 property tax revenue that exceeds 190 million dollars, or close to 20K per student.  That is almost 16 times greater than the Park District’s projected property tax revenue of 11.9 million dollars.

 

So what, why is this important?  Of the District’s 11.9 million dollars in tax revenue, 63% or 7.5 million dollars is residential. Our 2010 census data indicated our population is 33,170.  This equates to a per capita contribution of $227 or $19 per month for each resident.  I realize that this is an over simplification of our tax laws and there are many other variables that come into play. With that being said; however, this is an incredible value for what we offer.  

 

The bottom line is that we provide programs, services, facilities, parks and open space for everyone!  The fees we generate on top of taxes are reinvested in our community and generate economic impact that benefits local businesses and taxing bodies.  We change lives for young children and seniors.  We connect and collaborate across the state like no other taxing bodies or state associations.

 

I will not debate the importance of education.  I simply know that Park and Recreation agencies have an incredible story and are an essential service in our communities!  What's your story?

 

I hope your summer is going well and on behalf of the IPRA Board of Directors all the BEST!