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McHenry County voters approved a new 0.25% local sales tax targeting mental health services in the county, according to unofficial election results.
Officials estimate the tax will bring in about $13 million annually. The sales tax will replace the property tax levy, which currently funds the county mental health board by approximately $11 million.
How did you get there?
Last fall, how and how much money to fund the mental health commission became a major sticking point in the McHenry County Commission’s budget debate. The Mental Health Commission initially requested a $2.5 million increase in the county’s property tax collection portion, and social service providers spoke out about the importance of mental health funding.
Ultimately, the Mental Health Commission received approximately $525,000 more in funding in the fiscal year 2024 budget, and the County Commission in December decided to impose a sales tax on ballots for the March 19 primary election. It was resolved.
Some of these providers were actively mobilizing public support for the sales tax. Nami McHenry County Executive Director Abby Nicholas said Wednesday she believes the referendum passed because people understand the importance of mental health. She said the result was a “huge win” for government agencies in the county, stressing that it was the work of many people.
“This was really a grassroots, team effort,” Nicholas said.
Suzanne Hoban of Family Health Partnership echoed the sentiment of a “team effort.” Hoban last fall urged county leaders to increase support for mental health services, saying the referendum result means the county is “much closer” to meeting service needs.
“This is going to be great for the community,” Hoban said.
McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Thorsen said he believes the effort was successful because it’s hard to say “no” to mental health and the vote was “positive” for mental health in the county. Ta.
He said Republicans purchased the green “Vote Yes” signs that were being placed around the county in preparation for Tuesday’s referendum.
Thorsen also noted the bipartisan nature of the referendum, with McHenry County Commission members from both parties voting to include it on the ballot.
“It’s interesting to see paid signs put up by Republicans in Democrats’ yards,” Thorsen said.
Ruth Cifo, chairwoman of the McHenry County Democratic Party, said she believes the generosity of county voters was a big factor in passing the referendum.
He added that increasing mental health funding is consistent with Democratic beliefs, but the referendum is bipartisan.
Mr Sifo said the Mental Health Commission and the agencies it funds impact the lives of many residents.
“They understand first-hand the value the board brings to our community,” Sifo said.
Still unofficial results show that before Tuesday’s primary, about 53% of voters supported the sales tax bill, while about 47% voted against it.
What will be the consumption tax rate?
Starting July 1, most items in McHenry County will be subject to an additional 0.25% sales tax that will go to the Mental Health Commission to fund services. Sales tax is 7% in most areas of the county, but will increase to 7.25%.
Some towns, such as Woodstock, have a sales tax rate of 8%; In McHenry County, for every $100 someone spends, he pays 25 cents in sales tax, which goes toward services.
However, some products within the county, such as food and medicine, are exempt from this sales tax. In return, county leaders promised to reduce property tax levies by about $11 million.
What will happen to the current funding for the Mental Health Board?
McHenry County officials have vowed that if the sales tax passes, it will reduce the amount of property tax collected by the mental health board.
The county’s fiscal year begins Dec. 1, and leaders have promised to cut the levy on this year’s ballot. Although there is nothing technically binding them to do so, Thorsen said he trusts the current county commission to comply.
“We have to trust the board,” Thorsen said.
McHenry County Commission Chairman Mike Buehler reiterated Wednesday that the mental health board levy item will be set at zero in next year’s levy. He said he was “satisfied” with the result.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better result,” Buehler said.
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