Madison County to get reduced budget, proposed lower tax levy
From Illinois Business Journal news services
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Chairman Alan J. Dunstan says he will present a budget to the County Board at its Nov. 18 meeting that has been reduced by more than $1 million from the current fiscal year — and proposes a cut in property taxes.
The proposed 2016 Madison County Budget of $129,032,013 is decreased from the current budget of $130,317,062.
Dunstan said the proposed property tax levy for 2016 will be 2.3 percent lower than the current year.
“This will result in a cut in taxes for property owners in Madison County for the county portion of the property tax bill,” Dunstan said in a statement. “Furthermore, we have been able to do this and still preserve vital county services, including public safety programs.”
Dunstan said the County Board “has worked diligently” over the past four years to hold the line on property taxes.
“Madison County will actually levy less property tax in 2016 than it did four years ago,” he said. “It has been the priority of mine and the board to reduce our reliance on property taxes. I am proud to say we have demonstrated our ability to do this while still maintaining core county services and preserving the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
“In preparing the 2016 budget, we were faced with the possibility of funding cuts from the state of Illinois due to the uncertainty of the Illinois budget. The inability of our governor and legislature to reach a budget agreement put significant pressure on us, as well as on our schools and other taxing districts, to prepare viable budgets.
“Despite the obstacle of not knowing the state budget, I am confident we are submitting a balanced budget that will enable us to continue to effectively provide required and other services the people of Madison County expect and deserve,” Dunstan added.
The chairman also presented a detailed capital project budget that includes $6 million in capital projects for the 2016 fiscal year, funded with past budget savings. Funding is included for major upgrades to the heating, cooling and ventilation systems in the Courthouse, Detention Home, Annex Facilities, and the correction of deficiencies at the Madison County Jail.
