For the fifth consecutive year, the village of Buffalo Grove will not increase the village’s portion of the property tax levy.
The village must adhere to the Truth in Taxation Act that requires staff to determine if the proposed tax levy for 2023 will exceed last year’s levy by 5%. Finance Director Chris Black told the Village Board at the Nov. 6 board meeting that the proposed 2023 levy is $16.8 million, a 0% change from the 2022 levy.
As a result, the board authorized the village president to issue a certificate of compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act.
“I think it’s a huge win to go another year without an increase,” said Trustee Frank Cesario.
Black said the village’s portion of a Buffalo Grove property owner’s overall tax bill is less than 10%.
The proposed tax levy was scheduled to be discussed in its entirety at a budget hearing Monday and at the Dec. 4 Village Board meeting. The proposed fiscal year 2024 budget is currently posted on the village website.
Also at the Nov. 6 meeting, trustees voted 5-0 in favor of an ordinance related to bringing a Lazy Dog restaurant to 51 McHenry Road.
According to Nicole Woods, director of community development, Golden Property Development plans to redevelop the site, which had included an IHOP restaurant that is now demolished, and construct a 7,500-square-foot restaurant with a 1400-square-foot outdoor covered patio that allows for guests to dine with their pet dogs.
Woods said the development further implements the village’s Lake Cook Corridor Plan and builds on the momentum of The Clove redevelopment.
Jared Taylor, of Golden Property Development, told trustees Lazy Dog will be a full-service, sit-down family dining restaurant with a full menu. Although dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant unless they are service animals, the restaurant will allow dogs on the patio, and offers a chicken, rice and water menu for the pets in a single-use, disposable bowl.
Construction drawings are currently underway, he said, with opening expected next summer.
“We’re big believers in Buffalo Grove,” Taylor said. “We’re here for the future.”
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Also at the meeting, police Officer Ashley Krozel was promoted and sworn in as a sergeant. She joined the department in 2004 as a part-time desk officer, became a community service officer and was sworn in as an officer on Sept. 17, 2007, following in the footsteps of her father, former Deputy Chief Ronald Gozdecki who was on the police department force for three decades. She served on patrol, as a school resource officer and most recently, on the NIPAS field course. She has received multiple accommodations for her service.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.