McLean County has approved its first tax levy increase in five years. By a 12-6 vote, board members okayed a 2016 fiscal budget of $92 million, funded in part by a property tax hike that pumps in about $400,000 in new revenue. The approval came after member Chuck Erickson proposed shifting that amount from various reserve funds in exchange for dropping the levy hike.
Erickson's proposal fell by a 10-9 vote with chair Matt Sorenson breaking the tie. Sorenson says now is not the time to be raiding reserve funds.
Member Erik Rankin said the county needs to change the way in builds budget with a greater focus on services needed and not funds available.
The tax hike amounts to about a $6 annual increase in the county's bill on a $165,000 home. The tax levy hike is the first by the county in five years.
