Do we support the DuPage Co Forest Preserve Referendum?
You probably know there’s an election coming up on November 5. But did you know that one of your ballot questions is to ask for your support for the DuPage County Forest Preserve? We are sharing more information about the referendum in this week’s newsletter so you can be an informed voter when it comes to this question.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County logo
LEARN
The DuPage County Forest Preserve District manages over 26,000 acres of land in DuPage county that includes 60 forest preserves and 175 miles of trails. In Glen Ellyn, this includes local favorites like Blackwell and Churchill Woods, as well as the Great Western Trail. Maintaining these natural areas not only provides a place for residents to recreate, but also preserves clean air and water, protects wildlife habitat, and more. About 2/3 of the Forest Preserve District's budget is funded by our property taxes. For every $100 you pay in property tax, about $1.50 (1.5%) goes to fund the Forest Preserve District.
What are voters being asked?
On November 5, The DuPage County Forest Preserve District will ask voters to consider a referendum to increase the limiting rate of its tax levy. The current property tax levy does not provide enough annual revenue to support current operations and allow the Forest Preserve District to acquire additional land.
If this passes, it would generate an additional $17 million in annual revenue to support the mission of the Forest Preserve District. Using the same math above, about $1.90 of $100 of property taxes would now be going to the Forest Preserve District, (40 cents more). Annually, this would translate to an increase of around $12 for every $100,000 of home value (e.g., a $500,000 house would pay an extra $60 in property taxes annually that would go to the Forest Preserve District).
Why is it needed?
If approved by the voters on November 5, this increase would enable the forest preserves to be better able to improve air and water quality, purchase land and restore and create more wildlife habitat, improve flood control, expand public safety, and create more places where children can experience and enjoy with wonders of nature.
What does Go Green Glen Ellyn think?
As a 501c3, Go Green Glen Ellyn is a nonpartisan organization and does not support particular candidates or parties. However, as a nonprofit, we are able to support legislation or referendums that are not specific to a particular party. And one thing we do speak for is the trees!
Go Green Glen Ellyn supports the DuPage Forest Preserve District referendum. Our Board unanimously voted in favor of it. We have spent time speaking with Forest Preserve Board President Daniel Hebreard to understand the current financial needs and purpose of the additional funding. We support the referendum because:
The proposed improvements and expansions to area parks will benefit residents of Glen Ellyn and the county at large.
We support efforts to improve air and water quality in our community, which are vital to our community's overall health.
In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to provide forest preserves, outdoor recreational programs, and places where children - and adults! - can play and be physically active.
The current amount of property tax dollars allocated to the Forest Preserve district is low and would remain low, even with the passing of the referendum.
We encourage our readers to learn more about the upcoming referendum so you may make an informed decision on November 5.
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We encourage our readers to learn more about the referendum in order to make an informed decision on November 5.
You can visit the Forest Preserve District website to find basic information, including the actual ballot question (it's long!) and a helpful FAQ section.
You can also visit The Conservation Foundation website for information about the importance of this referendum.
DuPage Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water & Clean Air will let you know who else supports it - besides us!
Finally, you can attend an open house Go Green Glen Ellyn is co-hosting with the Sierra Club to learn more about the referendum, at 7 pm on September 25 at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society.
