Brookfield officials have their work cut out for them, to explain how a tax rate increase they’re asking voters to approve this fall actually won’t raise taxes.
The Brookfield Village Board unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night to place the proposition before voters on the Nov. 3 ballot. The increase is tax-neutral for residents, board members explained, because bond payments currently leaving the tax rolls will be replaced by the new rate, keeping overall tax levels the same for property owners.
But board members acknowledged that the ballot language itself is confusing without proper explanation—and they’re planning an aggressive public education campaign to help residents understand what they’re voting on.
“The education process is going to be huge in this,” Trustee Kit Ketchmark said. “For someone reading the question on its own, it’s not really clear what it is for or what it will result in for us.”
The ballot initiative represents the culmination of extensive planning and discussion among trustees, village staff and residents about the village’s long-term financial needs.
“We’ve started to state the case, but we will make sure the materials and presentations and all the questions are answered for anyone that has any questions about how they feel about the issue,” Village President Michael Garvey said.
The village will provide detailed information about what the proposition funds, how it affects property taxes and what happens if voters reject it. Materials and presentations will be made available to help residents make an informed choice.
The measure now goes to the Cook County Clerk’s office, which will prepare ballots for the Nov. 3 election.