Elmhurst City Council voted unanimously (12–0, 2 absent) on Dec. 1 to approve a 2025 property tax levy of $22,745,975 and to direct the city attorney to prepare accompanying levy and debt‑service abatement ordinances.

The vote followed a recommendation from the finance, council affairs and administrative services (FCAAS) committee. A committee member summarized the split between taxing bodies: a $15,800,000 city levy (an increase of about $1.8 million, or roughly 13%) and a $6,900,000 library levy (about a 2% increase). The clerk earlier described the combined levy as $22,745,975, a 9.43% increase over the 2024 extension.

The FCAAS representative attributed most of the increase to pension obligations and unexpected health‑care cost increases. "Residents will remember that the majority of the levy is used to fund pension obligations for our employees," the committee member said, adding that pension contributions rose by about $800,000 this year. The committee member also said the city adopted roughly $3.6 million in general‑fund cuts but that those reductions, together with reserve use, were insufficient to balance the 2026 budget.

The committee presented a five‑year operating forecast showing projected annual general‑fund cost growth of 3.6% versus revenue growth of 2.9%, which the committee said would create a structural shortfall without additional levy revenue. The committee noted that debt‑service costs for the city’s general obligation bonds would be abated in 2026, meaning residents would not directly pay the approximately $7 million GO bond cost in that year.

Committee comments included an estimated impact on homeowners: "In summary, our recommendation translates to an extra $56 in property taxes paid to the city for the average $500,000 value home in Elmhurst," the committee member said.

Procedural details: Alderman Toludo moved to place the report before the council; Alderman Hill seconded. The clerk conducted a roll call that recorded 12 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent; the council accepted the committee’s recommendation.

Next steps: the council directed the city attorney to prepare the 2025 tax levy ordinance and appropriate debt‑service abatement ordinances for subsequent consideration and formal ordinance adoption.