Glen Carbon Board Approves Tax Levy and 2024 Budget Draft
by Kathy Turner
GLEN CARBON — The Glen Carbon Village Board on Tuesday, Nov. 14 approved a recommended 2023 Tax Levy and draft budget. Both will proceed for final approval at the next Board meeting.
The recommendations were presented by Kelly Korte, Director of Finance. Her department suggested to the Board a tax levy increase of 4.93% in the amount of $3,242,952. This reflects an increase that will still allow for a reduction for residents from prior years. It is based on an assumed increase in the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) by the County.
During discussion, there was a presentation by Trustee Maliszewski that the levy be increased to 6.93%. He pointed out that this would still represent a reduction for resident costs but would provide added revenue for the village, particularly for department-proposed capitol projects in the next year.
An increase of more than 5% requires a public hearing for approval and notification via newspaper advertising for the increase and the hearing. Other members of the board questioned the need for the increase at that level. Many stated that the Village will see an increase in taxes in the future from the development currently underway.
Korte pointed out that the proposed 4.999% will adequately cover department requests including personal payroll increases and new positions. It will also address capitol project requests when paired with other funding sources available to the village. She also agreed with the anticipated increase in tax funds from commercial development projects.
The Board rejected a motion for the 6.93% increase by a vote of 4 to 2 and approved the 4.93% increase by a vote of 5 to 1.
Korte also presented the preliminary 2024 budget for discussion. Board members will again discuss the budget at the Nov. 28 meeting when it is presented for final approval.
