The Brookfield Village Board of Trustees Monday approved the 2023 tax levy.
The 2023 tax levy was approved for $15,740,975 for both village and library levies. The total levy is estimated to increase to 6.4%, or $946,396.
Although the village seeks that extension, it may not collect the full amount because of the state’s tax cap law for non-home rule municipalities such as Brookfield.
The law limits tax levy increases for non-home rule communities to 5%, or the level of the consumer price index, whichever is less. The CPI for 2023 is 6.5%.
During a public hearing, residents spoke up about their concern about property taxes. Java Tussock, a Brookfield zoo worker and village resident of over 20 years, said high taxes are pushing people away.
“Our property taxes are over $1,000 a month for my house and I just can’t afford it,” he said. “I would love to stay [in Brookfield], but every time you ask for a nickel or dime or dollar you’re just putting a little bit more burden on everybody.”
Michael Garvey, village president, said that the board is aware of the issue and are themselves residents of the village who are affected.
“We all have property tax bills that we pay and we have families that live here, but we also have the responsibility to provide the essential services,” Garvey said. “The employees have increased in salary and benefits, and the cost of equipment, and vehicles, and police, and fire services and pensions go up. We have to meet those obligations”
Parking lots improvement
Trustees also approved improving two of its parking lots with green infrastructure features that will enhance stormwater management, aesthetics, and sustainability. The parking lots are located at 9100 W. 31st St. and 3840 Maple Ave., and will serve the businesses along the 31st Street corridor.
The village acquired the parking lot at 9100 W. 31st St. in late 2023 through a donation, and decided to construct it to be an example of a high-quality parking lot that meets the village’s design guidelines.
The parking lot at 3840 Maple Ave., which predates 2007, is in need of improvement and will be reconstructed as a green infrastructure project.
The village has hired Hancock Engineering, a local firm with expertise in civil engineering and environmental design, to design and oversee the parking lot improvements.
Hancock Engineering was also approved to apply for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, which provides partial funding for green infrastructure projects on public property.
The MWRD program aims to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality by supporting projects that incorporate stormwater control measures, such as permeable pavement, rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs.
The total construction costs for the two parking lots are estimated at $890,000, of which the MWRD program could cover up to $290,000, depending on the eligibility and cost-sharing level. The village will fund the remaining $600,000, as well as the engineering, construction management, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, administration costs, and non-green infrastructure components, such as lighting and demolition.