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Normal Town Council OKs slight increase in property taxes

Kevin McCarthy was one of four council members to vote in favor of the tax levy.
Braden Fogerson
/
WGLT
The Normal Town Council meets on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.

The Normal Town Council narrowly approved a new tax levy with a slight increase in annual property taxes.

The $14.9 million levy for 2024 comes with a 4.91% increase over the previous tax ordinance. Because of expected growth in residential EAV [equalized assessed valuation], for the owner of a $165,000 home, the hike will mean an extra $3.81 per year with the revenue generated going to Normal’s general fund, pensions, social security requirements and the Normal Public Library.

“I thought it was a great value and a good service to the taxpayers of Normal,” said council member Kevin McCarthy. “I think as a whole, the residents of Normal understand that we're talking a few dollars a year, so it's a pretty tiny thing.”

Mayor Chris Koos cast the deciding vote for a 4-3 approval.

Council members Andy Byars, Kathleen Lorenz and Scott Preston voted against the levy.

Development plan

Also Monday, the council unanimously approved the development plan for the former Logan’s Roadhouse location off Veterans Parkway. Developer Tom Jednorowicz plans to convert the location into a three-tenant storefront, including a drive-thru business.

The list of tenants operating at the new site is not solidified yet. Jednorowicz currently co-owns Original Pancake House franchises in Normal, Peoria and Austin, Texas. He also founded Meatheads, a former chain restaurant brand he left in 2019.

Koos also declared Dec. 31 to be Greg Troemel Appreciation Day in Normal. Troemel will retire at year’s end after serving as inspections director for the town for 39 years.

Braden Fogerson is a correspondent at WGLT. Braden is the station's K-12 education beat reporter.