Cooperative Extension and county mental-health boards submit levy requests; clerk explains levy mechanics

County finance staff and representatives discussed levy requests for Cooperative Extension and the county mental-health fund during the June 23 finance meeting.

Ginger Boas (Cooperative Extension) was not present but the finance presenter noted Cooperative Extension requested approximately $115,300 for the coming year (up from $111,300 in prior years). The presenter explained the Cooperative Extension levy is an "in-and-out" fund: the county levies for the amount, collects the taxes and distributes receipts to the Extension program, which also receives separate funding from the University of Illinois.

Finance staff discussed how levy math uses low and high assumed equalized assessed value (EAV) scenarios. The presenter shared an assumed low EAV number of about $881,242,069 and a high near $951,741,435 for the county; she said townships and the county assessor's multiplier will determine final levy calculations when the assessor finalizes values.

On the county mental-health levy, staff said the board historically requested $600,000 in some prior cycles and plans to request $600,000 again. Finance staff noted the mental-health board includes a county-court member and that having a county liaison on the mental-health board could provide additional reporting back to the finance committee.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about how levies are collected, the timing of township assessments and distribution mechanics; finance staff said they will accept presentations from levy requesters at future finance meetings to explain line-item use of funds.