Voting Members Receive "SNAP" Viewpoint Survey
In October, Farm Bureau voting members who have provided their email addresses received a “SNAP” Viewpoint Survey. The purpose of this survey was to gauge members’ thoughts on the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s possible property tax increase. The question is below:
Forest Preserve Commissioners may ask homeowners to foot the bill for a property tax increase to fund improvements to the Cook County Forest Preserves. On average, Cook County homeowners pay around $50 per year for the preserves. While not final, early estimates would ask voters to pay an additional $17 per year. The increase is anticipated to raise over $40 million per year.
Do you support a tax increase?
□ Yes □ No □ No Opinion
If yes, how should the additional tax funds be spent?
□ Purchasing additional forest preserve acres
□ Improvements to the Brookfield Zoo
□ Improvements to the Chicago Botanic Gardens
□ Shore up pension funds
□ Adding additional amenities at existing sites
□ Maintenance of existing sites
Shortly after the survey was released to members Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle announced that a property tax increase would not be considered by voters.