Mokena Supports Restoration Of Local Government Fund

MOKENA, IL — The village of Mokena has joined other municipalities in Illinois in supporting the restoration and return of money from the Local Government Distributive Fund.

The Local Government Distributive Fund is proceeds from state income tax which are distributed to local units of government to help provide services like public safety and street maintenance, according to a presentation at Monday's village board meeting. The fund receives 10 percent of total income tax collections, and was first created over 50 years ago.

In recent years, the state has pared back that amount to help fill its own budget holes, Assistant Village Administrator Kirk Zoellner said.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed further reduction to the fund from the current 6.06 percent by another increment of 10 percent, Zoellner said.

"In Mokena, this means we would be reduced in revenues on the LGDF by $225,000," Zoellner said. Mokena has no local income tax, so this would increase pressure to raise property taxes, Zoellner said.

The Mokena Village Board unanimously adopted a resolution which supports the restoration of the fund. Several other area towns, including Orland Park, have passed similar resolutions.

Zoellner encouraged residents to reach out to their state representatives and senators about the issue. The Village of Mokena has shared a sample letter on its village website.

"Our representatives are looking for letters from [residents]," Mayor Frank Fleischer said. "They need this to take back to Springfield, and let them know that their residents are upset. The only thing that's going to move these people in Illinois is for fear of losing their jobs."

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