McLean County’s proposed budget for 2027 would lower the county’s property tax rate to its lowest level in 20 years, largely due to an increase in property values.
Coming in at just over $150 million, the balanced budget is $5.9 million more than 2026, but lowers the tax rate slightly from $0.83 to $0.81 per $100 assessed valuation, amounting to a decrease of $15.86 for the owner of a $255,000 home.
County Administrator Cassy Taylor told the county board Thursday night the rate was possible because of a 6.72% increase in the county’s equalized assessed valuation [EAV].
“The increase in the EAV has allowed us to lower the tax rate from last year,” she said, noting this is the third consecutive year of decreases. “The FY 2027 recommended budget proposes the lowest tax rate in over 20 years.”
Property taxes make up 34.7% of the county’s revenues, or just over $52 million. Other sources include $11.3 million in charges for services, $30.4 million in intergovernmental funds, $18 million in other taxes such as sales tax, $7.1 million in licenses, $17.4 million in other transfers and $10.5 million in miscellaneous revenues. Interest accounts for another $3.2 million.
Personnel costs and benefits increased 4.7 % from 2026 and will account for 47% of the total budget. Taylor said this is typical for a county government. Within that, health care costs have been projected to increase 22%, or just over $2 million.
Salaries have been a priority for the county to aid with recruitment and retention, with Taylor noting 54% of employees working for the county five years or less. The budget proposes a 1.5% uniform wage increase across non-union positions, with union wages following their own collective bargaining agreements.
“We believe the uniform wage increase, in conjunction with merit increases ... is a meaningful step toward aligning county compensation with employee needs and market expectations, while maintaining fiscal responsibility," Taylor said.
Capital improvements include 38 projects for a combined total of $12.6 million, including work on the old courthouse — home of the McLean County Museum of History — the Government Center, Juvenile Detention Center, Law and Justice Center and other initiatives.
The majority of departments project a minimal increase in operating expenses, Taylor said.
The proposed budget will be reviewed and discussed in committee meetings and public reviews over the next month, with approval scheduled for Nov. 12.
County clerk hire
Also Thursday, the board discussed an erroneous hire in the county clerk’s office, with some members pressing County Clerk Kathy Michael to admit an error took place.
The board approved adding to the headcount, officially acknowledging and funding a third full-time administrative specialist for the office. But Finance Committee chair Val Laymon pushed for details.
“During the finance committee, when asked about it, the county clerk said she did not characterize that it [was] an error,” she said. "But upon talking with Human Resources, the response was, 'This additional hire on part of the clerk’s office was indeed an error' … Ms. Michael and her staff were either unaware of the correct number of budgeted positions or did not communicate with HR to indicate that they wanted to add an additional FTE."
Michael acknowledged the error Thursday night, telling the board mistakes were made both by her department and HR.
“We both missed this … We appreciate HR working with us, admitting they missed it as well as we did,”
Board member Corey Beirne pressed further, asking whether she would commit to following the proper channels for future hires.
“Of course we will, we always try to. … We turn it in to HR and they sign off on it,” Michael said.
Speaking after the meeting, board chair Elizabeth Johnston noted county officials have latitude to run their offices.
“Independently elected officers are able to dictate and run their departments as they see fit," she said. "That is their constitutional right. However, the county board, we are the people’s representatives, we are the fiscal watchdogs. We are the ones who are to oversee and have communication with the department heads.
“If the communications breaks down, that’s when we see the overruns.”
Other business
- The board directed the Parks and Recreation Department to enter into contract negotiations with RVI Hitchcock of Naperville for a comprehensive Parks and Recreation strategic plan. The group’s main task will be to plan for the future of Comlara Park and Evergreen Lake now that the previous 50-year plan is concluding. RVI has worked with numerous suburban park districts, including Crystal Lake, Northbrook, Arlington Heights and others.
- Voted to extend the disaster declaration for McLean County through Oct. 16. The move allows ongoing cleanup to be considered for disaster relief.
