Controversial Property Tax Increase Proposal Faces Opposition from South Suburban Mayors

TLDRSouth suburban mayors and other officials are urging residents to vote against a proposed property tax increase that would raise nearly $3 million in new spending for mental health services in Thornton Township. They express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in how the money would be used, pointing to previous questionable spending practices by township supervisor Tiffany Henyard. Voters had previously rejected a similar referendum, but the mayors worry that low turnout in the upcoming primary election may lead to a different outcome.

Key insights

💰South suburban mayors and other officials oppose a proposed property tax increase that would raise nearly $3 million for mental health services in Thornton Township.

🔍Residents are concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in how the tax money would be used, citing previous questionable spending practices by township supervisor Tiffany Henyard.

🗳️Voters had previously rejected a similar property tax increase in Thornton Township.

📉Low voter turnout in the upcoming primary election may impact the outcome of the referendum.

🚫Mayors urge residents to vote against the property tax increase, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Q&A

What is the proposed property tax increase for?

—The proposed property tax increase is for the purpose of providing community mental health facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities or substance use disorders.

How much would the property tax increase raise?

—If approved, the property tax increase would raise nearly $3 million in new taxes.

What is the concern raised by the mayors?

—The mayors are concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in how the tax money would be used, citing previous questionable spending practices by township supervisor Tiffany Henyard.

Has there been a similar referendum in the past?

—Yes, voters had previously rejected a similar property tax increase in Thornton Township.

What impact may low voter turnout have?

—Low voter turnout in the upcoming primary election may lead to a different outcome for the referendum.

Timestamped Summary

00:15South suburban mayors and officials oppose a proposed property tax increase.

00:39Residents express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in how the tax money would be used.

01:14The referendum seeks a 0.15% property tax increase for community mental health facilities.

01:26The proposed tax increase would raise nearly $3 million in new taxes.

01:31Mayors emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in spending.

01:48Voters had previously rejected a similar property tax increase in Thornton Township.

02:13Low voter turnout in the upcoming primary election may impact the outcome.

02:37Mayors urge residents to vote against the property tax increase.

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