Edgar Co. (ECWd) –
It’s that time of year, and people need to pay attention. This time last year, we published this article regarding a 4.9% tax levy increase for the county. In that prior article is the video of the meeting that clearly shows the room was too small for the attendance of citizens who were outraged over the increase.
We wonder if a 9.8% county levy increase will be enough to double the citizen attendance over the past 4.9% increase.
For those who do not see their actual property tax bill due to it being paid by a mortgage company, your home payment goes up not because of the bank holding your note, in most cases, but rather because units of government are increasing their levy every year.
I urged everyone to put eyes on every public body that appears on their tax bill. When they all raise their levy by 4.9% every year, allowable limit without a truth in taxation hearing, we hear them say it’s only a little bit. The proposed 9.8% levy for Edgar County is just one line on your tax bill. Raising a levy by more than 5% from the prior year triggers a truth in taxation obligation to hold a public hearing.
I have been told the public hearing for the county levy increase is on November 4, 2026, at 8:30 am at the courthouse.
I would encourage the county board to hold this meeting at a facility that can actually accommodate a turnout that will surely be larger than last year’s, considering this increase is more than double what they did last year.
