Often, residents ask, "Where are my tax dollars going?"
Citizens often express their concerns about taxes paid to the Village. A common thought is the Village is responsible for its entire tax bill. Nevertheless, that's not the case.
The reality is the Village levy represents only 35% to 40% of the total bill depending on the school districts represented and the county involved. From that amount, the Village provides Police, Fire, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Community Health, and Administrative Services for its residents.
School District 163 represents the majority of the Village. The following diagram shows the tax distribution for residents within that district for 2020 taxes payable in 2021.
District 163 takes 37% per dollar, Prairie State takes 1%, and District 227 takes 15%, which totals 53%. Cook County and Rich Township and others make up a combined 1%, and the Park Forest Library takes 5% leaving the Village of Park Forest with the remaining 40%.
The Village Park Forest general fund/motor fuel tax operating revenue for the fiscal year 22/23 budget is below. More than half, 55%, is generated by property taxes, and 9% is from State Income Tax.
Property taxes levied in December of one year fund the following year's budget. In other words, the property taxes levied in December 2021 support the 2022/2023 Budget.
To get a full breakdown of taxes, click here.