DuPage County voters to consider forest preserve referendum

(The Center Square) – The DuPage County Forest Preserve Board is asking taxpayers for an additional $17 million per year.

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.