Mokena Park District officials this week presented their case for a tax increase to pay for more space for two of its popular attractions — the Yunker Farm and The Oaks fitness and recreation center.
Jim Romanek, executive director of the Mokena Community Park District, told the Village Board during a meeting Monday that lack of space has forced the district to turn away people who want to enroll in park programs.
After communicating with residents, park officials decided to ask voters for a tax increase in the Nov. 4 election, Romanek said.
The LaPorte Road property purchased in 1996 will be paid off this year, Romanek said.
The owner of a $300,000 home has been paying $49.80 per year for the purchase of the LaPorte Road property in 1996, Romanek said. Taxes will decrease by that amount unless the referendum is approved in the fall, in which case taxes will dip only slightly, he said.
He called approval of the referendum “tax neutral” because homeowners would see no tax increase.
If the referendum is approved, residents would benefit from additional park facilities, including a band shell, dog park, splash pad, more room space and upgrades to the interiors of some of the farm buildings, Romanek said.