Several communities in Northern Lake County are seeking voter approval this November for home rule powers. Zion is seeking to add new home rule taxes as well as address the problems they have with “2% of the population that are causing problems”. Their solutions will include stronger, and potentially more stringent, enforcement of rental property regulations.
Beach Park is looking to regulate private property in a similar fashion. City officials have stated they wish to create some regulations on rental properties and limit activities at certain businesses. Prior to the Village Board voting to place the initiative on the ballot, Joe Roth, Government Affairs Director with Illinois REALTORS®, provided comment against the move to home rule. His comments focused on the unintended consequences of home rule and expansive authority that will be taken from voters and given to the Village Board. Despite the concerns of REALTORS®, Village officials proceeded to place the issue on the ballot for this November.
According to Village officials, Winthrop Harbor is looking for home rule to provide a new taxing option as they look to fund infrastructure projects. Village President Michael Bruno has also said the village seeks more control over the town and its future. One pledge coming from Bruno is to not raise property taxes.
While officials in each town have made similar pledges to limit the impact on property taxes, it is important to know there is nothing binding about these promises. For property owners, home rule will mean the removal of the property tax caps set in place by the General Assembly. Once home rule is established, these officials have full authority to tax nearly anything, including creating new fees and taxes associated with buying or selling your home.
Why is Home Rule not in the best interest of home owners?
Beyond more and higher taxes, home rule often brings new regulations that directly impact property owners. Pre-sale inspections, prohibitions on “as-is” property sales, and rental property certifications are just a few of the new regulations that would limit property owners’ rights. These are among the many reasons REALTORS® oppose home rule ballot initiatives.
If you would like more information about these home rule ballot initiatives or to learn more about educating voters on the problems with home rule, please contact Joe Roth, Government Affairs Director, at jroth@illinoisrealtors.org or 847.480.7177, ext 1013.
Joe Roth is the new Governmant Affairs Director for both Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MORe) and North Shore Barrington Association of REALTORS®. He covers the municipalities in Lake County.