Litchfield Board Approves 2025 Tax Levy Following Public Hearing

Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Meeting | December 16, 2025

Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education approved the 2025 tax levy after a public hearing where residents expressed concern over rising costs. The levy includes an 8.02% increase request and a tax abatement for bond debt.

Litchfield School Board Key Points:

• Levy Request: The district requested an 8.02% increase in the tax levy.

• Abatement: The board approved abating $795,400 in taxes related to General Obligation School Bonds, to be paid using sales tax proceeds.

• Tax Rate Trend: The Superintendent reported that while property values (EAV) are rising, the district’s tax rate has decreased from 4.42 to 4.39 over the last three years.

• Public Opposition: Three residents spoke against the increase, citing inflation and the financial struggle of families and small businesses.

The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, voted to approve the 2025 tax levy following a “Truth in Taxation” public hearing.

Superintendent Dr. McLean presented the levy proposal, stating that property taxes currently account for 38% of the district’s revenue. The levy is payable in 2026 to fund the 2026-2027 school year. McLean noted that the district does not yet have a final Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) estimate from the county, necessitating an educated guess in the levy request to ensure the district captures available funds if property values rise.

“If we request 9% and it comes in at 5%, we’re only going to get 5%,” McLean explained. “But if we under-guess that and we lose money, then… we are not gaining all of the funds that we could possibly receive to help fund our school district.”

McLean highlighted that while the tax rate has decreased over the last few years, individual tax bills have risen due to increased property assessments. She also noted the district plans to abate $795,400 related to 2020C Series bonds, paying that debt with sales tax proceeds instead of property taxes.

During the public hearing, resident and business owner Bianca Walker urged the board to limit the levy. “Taxpayers are being hit twice,” Walker said, noting that rising assessments already generate more revenue. “I urge the board to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and community leadership by limiting the levy to consumer price index or the 5% cap.”

Resident Brian Davis also addressed the board, expressing concern about the impact on retirees living on fixed incomes, noting that property taxes currently consume roughly 17% of his gross income.

Following the hearing and regular business, the board voted to adopt the resolution establishing the property tax levy. The transcript of the roll call vote indicated a split decision, with both “Aye” and “No” votes recorded.