November 12, 2024
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Kane voters give nod to $5.7M Forest Preserve levy hike

Lobbes: ‘This is a very big win for nature in Kane County’

By Brenda Schory
Kane County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur presents information about the district's levy increase referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Kane County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur presents information about the district's levy increase referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot. (Brenda Schory)

Kane County voters overwhelmingly supported the Forest Preserve District’s $5.7 million referendum request for land acquisition and preserve improvement, according to unofficial results as of 4 p.m. Nov. 8.

There were 125,219 yes votes and 87,811 no votes to allow the district to increase its levy.

“Obviously, the Forest Preserve District is happy the people of Kane County agreed that the Forest Preserve District is important for funding and continued support,” Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur said.

The district will not get any of the increased tax collection until the next budget year begins July 1, 2025, he said.

“We have plenty of time to really program it properly,” Haberthur said. “We’re just very thankful for the support as we continue to carry out the mission.”

Haberthur gave credit to the nonprofits that supported the referendum campaign on its behalf – the Kane Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water and Clean Air and the Conservation Foundation.

“This is a very big win for nature in Kane County,” said Dan Lobbes, director of land preservation for the Conservation Foundation. “The citizens of Kane County are in love with their forest preserves. I think especially during COVID, attendance and participation in forest preserves more than doubled as people sought out forest preserves for their physical and emotional health.”

Lobbes said as people came out of the pandemic, they saw the value in supporting the forest preserves.

“People really wanted to support the forest preserves and make sure they have the resources they need to buy more land, improve the habitat and make healthy access for people to enjoy the preserves,” Lobbes said.

The increase in revenue will allow the district to restore natural areas and improve air and water quality, officials said.

Proceeds of the 2017 bond referendum are ending, leaving the district with no other source of income for land acquisition or other needs, officials said.

The district can’t participate in matching grants because there is no fund balance to match grants, officials said.

ElectionKane County2024 Election