Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher Board of Trustees approved a 2025 tax levy featuring a 2% increase to address rising operational costs and inflation. Officials noted that avoiding a zero-levy approach is necessary to maintain service levels and ensuring financial stability for future years.

2025 Tax Levy Key Points:

• Levy Amount: The total levied amount for all corporate purposes is $1,042,248.

• Increase Percentage: The levy represents a 2% increase over the previous year, which is below the maximum allowed 2.9% Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap.

• Reasoning: The increase is designed to cover rising costs in union contracts, insurance, and dispatching services without placing a heavy burden on residents.

• Collection Year: This levy is for the 2025 fiscal year and will be collected in 2026.

The Beecher Village Board of Trustees voted to approve the 2025 tax levy during their regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025. The approved ordinance sets the total property tax levy at $1,042,248.

Trustee Todd Kraus, chair of the Finance and Administration Committee, introduced the motion, noting that the committee settled on a 2% increase following discussions with village staff. While the village legally could have increased the levy by up to 2.9% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or even higher to capture growth, officials opted for a moderate approach.

During the discussion, Trustee Kraus explained the rationale behind avoiding a flat levy. “The levy is there to help us maintain the same level of services. It’s not like we’re trying to get more money, but rates of inflation, everything costs more for us,” Kraus said. He cited specific rising costs such as union contracts, dispatching services, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Kraus also reminded the Board of the long-term consequences of a zero-increase levy. “There was a period… where we went zero for eight years and it became unsustainable because once you give it up, you give it up forever,” Kraus stated. He argued that small, incremental increases help the village keep pace with inflation and avoid the need for larger, more drastic tax hikes in the future.

The levy covers various village expenses, including $351,905 for general corporate purposes, $207,905 for the Police Department, and $338,785 for the Bond and Interest Fund. The motion passed with Trustee Jessica Smith casting the lone opposing vote.