by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
The Edford Road District is proposing a significant increase in its 2026 property tax levy, with a final decision expected in December.
According to a public notice published November 3 in the Dispatch/Rock Island Argus, the district is proposing a 39.49% increase in corporate and special-purpose property taxes and a 25.59% increase in its total property tax levy.
The total levy would increase from $141,531.91 in 2025 to $177,752 in 2026, an increase of approximately $36,220.
Why are there two different percentages?
The district's public notice separates its property taxes into different categories.
Corporate and special-purpose taxes generally fund district operations and specific authorized expenses, such as road and bridge maintenance.
Those taxes would increase from $92,838.40 to $129,503, or 39.49%. However, when all property taxes requested by the district are included, the overall increase is 25.59%.
The notice does not explain the difference between the two categories or provide a detailed breakdown of how the additional revenue would be spent. It also does not identify the reasons for the proposed increase.
Public hearing held November 10
Because the proposed increase exceeds the 5% threshold established under Illinois' Truth in Taxation law, the district was required to publish a notice and hold a public hearing.
The hearing was scheduled for November 10 at Edford Town Hall.
What does this mean for property owners?
A 25.59% increase in the district's total levy does not necessarily mean individual property tax bills will increase by that amount.
Property tax bills depend on several factors, including changes in property assessments, the total taxable value within the district and the levies approved by other taxing bodies.
The proposed increase represents the additional property tax revenue the Road District is requesting, not a guaranteed percentage increase for individual taxpayers.
December 8 meeting
The Edford Road District is expected to consider the proposed levy at its next meeting on Tuesday, December 8, at 7 p.m. at Edford Town Hall, 10191 U.S. Highway 6, Geneseo.
The levy has not yet been confirmed as approved.
The Geneseo Current has reached out to Peter Johnson, Edford Township Supervisor, for comment and will update this article as needed.
