As voting begins and mail-in ballots are being submitted for the March primary election, voters continue to gain insight into the McHenry County Mental Health Board's sales tax referendum.
If the referendum passes, the property tax imposed on mental health boards will be abolished. The McHenry County Commission allocated nearly $11 million of its levy to the Mental Health Commission last year, and the agency receives $12 million to $13 million a year in sales taxes, according to an online FAQ on the county's website. It is estimated that there is a possibility of generating revenue.
McHenry County Commissioner Michael Scala (R-Huntley) said if the mental health board levy is eliminated, a referendum would be required to add it back.
“Once it’s removed, it’s removed,” Scala said.
Scala and fellow McHenry County Commission member Carolyn Campbell, D-Crystal Lake, spoke at a League of Women Voters forum Thursday at McHenry County College about the commission's decision to put the referendum on the ballot. talked about.
The forum was focused on providing information, with signage and documentation encouraging both “yes” and “no” votes.
Campbell said during the forum that putting the referendum on the ballot is “bipartisan.” Scala and Campbell were among the McHenry County Commission members who approved the measure to appear on the March primary ballot.
One attendee asked why it would appear in March instead of November. When the County Commission voted, the vote to introduce it in November was defeated.
“We had that discussion,” Scala said.
Another question asked whether the Mental Health Commission could be funded from both property taxes and sales taxes.
Scala said the board could theoretically keep the levy in place. But, “I don't know why you would do that.”
Mr Campbell said the board did not want to see double taxation appear.
Suzanne Hoban of Family Health Partnership said her clinic focuses on primary care for the uninsured, and “primary care has a lot to do with mental health.”
“They rely on health care providers who are funded by the Mental Health Commission,” Hoban said of how the referendum would impact the uninsured.
Missy Funk, who participated in the forum, said she would like more information on the issue. She hasn't decided how she will vote.
“I just wanted to take it all in,” Funk said.
Ed Gogol has already cast his vote.
“I already voted. I voted for it,” Gogol said, adding that increased funding for the Mental Health Commission was the deciding factor. “The need is huge.”
However, officials stressed that the decision to change the funding structure is in the hands of the people.
Voters can vote early, by mail, or in person on Election Day. Those who do not wish to declare their political affiliation can participate in the referendum by requesting an independent vote.
“For me, it's a choice,” Scala said. “I don't know if that's good or bad.”
