East Central Reporter

The Edgar County Board convened a tax hearing on November 5, 2025, drawing a large crowd that filled the meeting room and left many standing outside. The meeting addressed the county's decision to increase taxes by 4.9%.

During the session, concerns were raised about the impact of repeated tax increases on residents. Attendees noted that similar practices are occurring across various public bodies, with many increasing taxes up to the legal limit without holding hearings.

A point of discussion involved the allocation of the 1% public safety sales tax. While initially intended for public safety entities in Edgar County, it was revealed that all proceeds from this tax are currently being used to fund a new jail instead.

One speaker urged citizens to monitor all public bodies listed on their tax bills. They stated: "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. We need to know if those raises are because they can’t survive without it or just because they can. The latter has been the case with most public bodies we have looked into. For those who sell these tax increases as only a minor amount on your bill, remind them when there are 7-10 different public bodies doing the same thing, it’s not a little bit when looked at in proper context."

The video recording of the first part of the meeting is available for viewing online.