Park Preservation Referendum
FRANKFORT PARK DISTRICT TO PLACE PARK PRESERVATION FUNDING REFERENDUM ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
In November, residents will decide the level of park maintenance and recreational services they want to see in Frankfort. On August 22, 2022, the Frankfort Park District Board approved a resolution to place a tax rate increase question on the November 8, 2022 election ballot.
Frankfort Park District Executive Director, Gina Hassett, says the park board has been monitoring the need for a rate increase for several years. “We saw a significant increase in park usage during the COVID-19 pandemic response and it highlighted the critical need for high quality open space in the community.”
According to Hassett, rising inflation rates, fuel prices, and the competitive job market has caused the district to have to make tough decisions. “We are looking at cutting free community events in order to maintain and improve our existing spaces for our residents,” she said.
Should the referendum fail, the district will cut the annual July 4th fireworks, and reallocate the $20,000 in funding to maintenance. The district will also decrease the frequency of mowing at neighborhood parks and push out playground replacements for an additional 5-10 years.
If voters pass the referendum, residents with a $400,000 home would invest an additional $12.44 per month to maintain existing services, improve parkland, and fund capital projects. The total annual impact on residents with a $400,000 home would be approximately $149.28.
The question Frankfort Park District residents will see on the ballot is as follows:
Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Frankfort Park District, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.112% above the limiting rate for the purpose of funding increased recreational and other park district expenses for levy year 2021 and be equal to 0.2859% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2022?
The referendum would generate $969,655 in funding annually which will be allocated to park maintenance, capital improvements to facilities and grounds, and allow the park district to adequately fund future capital outlay.
The Frankfort Park District is planning two Town Hall meetings in October to provide residents with further information.
For more information, please contact the Park District at 815-469-9400 or ghassett@frankfortparks.org.
