Berwyn council backs option B for proposed 2025 property tax levy; ordinance set for Dec. 9
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Summary
City staff presented four levy options to close a projected $3.2 million debt-service gap; after questions and a straw poll, the council voted to concur with option B (normal pension cost plus $500,000 to debt service) for ordinance introduction.
Berwyn — The City Council agreed Nov. 12 to move forward on a proposed property tax levy that staff say balances rising pension costs with debt-service obligations.
Finance staff told the Committee of the Whole that city levy components include the general fund, bond-and-interest payments, the library fund and police and fire pension funds. "By having the meeting today, we are fulfilling that requirement," a finance presenter said, describing a timeline that would allow final adoption on Dec. 9.
The city projects a $3.2 million gap in the debt-service fund in 2026 and outlined four options to respond: Option A would cover police and fire normal pension costs only (about a $39 average taxpayer increase on a $247,000 home); Option B would add $500,000 to debt service (about $70); Option C would add $1 million (about $100); and Option D would contribute more to long-term pension liabilities (about $113). Finance staff said employer normal cost for the police pension has risen toward $2 million and fire pension costs are a little over $1.6 million.
Council members pressed staff on reserve levels (reported at roughly 18–20%, against a 16% policy target) and on whether the city could avoid levy increases by drawing on reserves or issuing refunding bonds. After discussion, the council conducted informal straw polls: Option C failed in a straw poll (2–6), while Option B received stronger support (5–3). At the regular meeting later in the evening, a motion to concur with Committee of the Whole recommendation to use Option B as the basis for the estimated 2025 levy passed on a roll call with seven ayes and carried.
The finance office will present an ordinance formalizing the levy determination for final adoption on Dec. 9. Until that ordinance is adopted, staff said adjustments remain possible if new revenue information arrives.
What’s next: The council will consider and vote on the formal levy ordinance on Dec. 9; staff will continue to refine revenue estimates and the draft 2026 budget.