Downers Grove Township property owners will see a new line on their tax bills after voters approved a mental health levy on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Unofficial results show 36,871 voters backed the measure and 20,432 opposed it, Patch reported. The tax is earmarked for mental health and substance abuse services.
The levy would cost the owner of a $400,000 home about $67 a year, according to the township.
Township Supervisor Kim Savage said in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 4, that she estimates the township will levy about half the maximum rate voters approved. "The township is pleased with the overwhelming community support," Savage said. "At this time, I estimate that the tax levy will be approximately half of the maximum rate that was approved."
What changes for residents
The vote authorizes the township to create a Community Mental Health Board. According to the referendum supporters' website, Downers Grove Township had been the only one of DuPage County's nine townships without such a board.
The township board said in a July resolution that a growing gap exists between available resources and service needs for mental health, substance abuse and people with intellectual disabilities. Tax supporters said the revenue can be distributed through small, yearly grants to agencies that provide mental health and substance abuse services.
The township includes all or parts of Downers Grove, Darien, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Burr Ridge, among other communities.
Board applications due Nov. 10
The township is already moving to stand up the new board. According to the township's website, applications for the volunteer Community Mental Health Board opened Oct. 30.
The township is seeking residents with professional or lived expertise in mental health, developmental disabilities or substance use disorder. Applicants cannot work for the Department of Human Services or for any organization that will seek funding from the board.
Applications are due by Nov. 10. Residents can email materials to [email protected] or mail them to the Downers Grove Township Supervisor at 4340 Prince St., Downers Grove, IL 60515. Questions can be directed to Savage at the same email address.
