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The Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners unanimously
approved a referendum on raising the property-tax cap.
If voters agree, DuPage property owners would pay an estimated
$11.67 more annually per $100,000 of home value.
Board President Daniel Hebriard said this is a pivotal moment
after commissioners passed a master plan in 2019.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to see it through to full
completion, purchase more than 250 acres of additional open
space, and continue this agency’s commitment to excellence as we
strive to support clean air, clean water and quality of life in
DuPage County,” Hebriard said.
Commissioners said increased operating costs make maintenance
and protection of open spaces more challenging than ever.
Brook McDonald of The Conservation Foundation in Naperville said
this is a nonpartisan issue.
“We know from surveys and just from past experience that, even
though voters may go and vote no for other good referenda, they
seem to support forest preserve referenda. In fact, 100 percent
of forest preserve referenda passed in northeastern Illinois
over the past 25 years,” McDonald said.
Connie Schmidt of the Sierra Club said she is in favor of the
referendum.
“It will increase protection of watersheds, improve the water
quality of rivers, lakes, streams, and protect some drinking
water sources,” Schmidt said.
According to DuPage County Forest Preserve District board
members, the additional money would support existing operations
and allow the district to acquire more than 250 acres of open
space.
Commissioner Al Murphy said the board is efficient. Murphy said
the commissioners wanted the voters to have input with the
referendum.
Early voting in DuPage County begins Sept. 26. Election Day is
Nov. 5.
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