2023 PUBLIC SAFETY REFERENDUM

If approved referendum

Referendum Facts

Election Day:

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

The Referendum Question:

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Village of Howard for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2024, is limited to 2.0%, which results in a levy of approximately $8,208,200. Shall the Village of Howard be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2024, for the purpose of additional police and fire protection and rescue/ambulance services, by a total of 9.3%, which would result in a levy of $8,973,200, and on an ongoing basis, including the increase of $765,000 for each fiscal year going forward.


Referendum Summary:

With an increased population and higher demands for services, the Village of Howard has a critical need for additional police and fire protection and rescue/ambulance services to improve our response times and to provide the high level of service that our residents expect. 


As a result, the village is holding a referendum to increase the existing levy by $765,000 to fill state and federal funding gaps, allow for increased staffing, and to provide high-quality public safety services to all Howard residents. 


If approved, the referendum allows the village to increase the levy by $765,000 in 2024 and keep that one-time increase in place for future years to maintain those additional services, which include an extra 2,920 hours of police patrol and seven full-time firefighter/paramedic positions. If it were not approved on an ongoing basis, the village would not have the ability to keep the additional services past 2024. The referendum does now allow additional increases on top of the $765,000. 


Referendum Benefits:

Community Informational Meetings:

  • 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 in the Board Room (back entrance) at Howard Village Hall, 2456 Glendale Ave.
  • 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 in the Board Room (back entrance) at Howard Village Hall, 2456 Glendale Ave. 

Sessions will provide additional information and an opportunity for residents to ask questions.  

Additional Resources