Litchfield School Board Sets Truth in Taxation Hearing, Estimates 9% Levy Increase

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | November 18, 2025

Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education has approved a tentative tax levy that estimates a 9% increase over the previous year. Due to the increase exceeding state thresholds, the board scheduled a public Truth in Taxation hearing for December.

Litchfield School Board Tax Levy Key Points:

• Tentative Increase: The preliminary levy estimates a 9% increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV), up from last year’s 8.65% growth.

• Target Amount: The district is seeking to levy approximately $8.5 million across all accounts.

• Public Hearing: A Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

• Fund Balance: The levy aims to stabilize the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and Social Security funds, which administrators noted are areas of concern.

The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, voted unanimously to approve a preliminary 2025 tax levy and set a date for a public hearing regarding the request.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain presented the tentative levy to the board, recommending an estimated 9% increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV). McClain noted that while the district has not yet received final numbers from the county treasurer’s office, the estimate is designed to capture all possible growth.

“Exact numbers have not been received from the county treasurer’s office yet,” McClain told the board. “The district is looking to levy $8.5 million for all accounts.”

Because the proposed levy exceeds 5% of the previous year’s extension, the district is required by state law to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing. The board voted 6-0 to schedule this hearing for December 16, 2025, prior to the regular board meeting.

Dr. McClain explained that while the district’s overall fund balances are in good standing, specific attention is needed for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and Social Security funds. The proposed levy is structured to strengthen these specific accounts to prevent deficit spending.

“We must continue to strengthen and stabilize the IMRF and Social Security funds,” McClain said. “Those funds need to remain balanced.”

McClain also noted that if final EAV projections are released before the December meeting, the board can adjust the final levy figures accordingly. Board members Ron Anglin, David Belusko, Mark Bloome, Valerie Cain, Jimmy Gorowski, and Mandy Jewell voted in favor of the preliminary levy. President Julie Abel was absent for this portion of the meeting.