CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The City of Champaign Township hosted two information sessions on the topic of the upcoming ballot referendum asking voters to raise the Township’s property tax levy.
"It's really important for people to be informed and get involved with local stuff because that's what has the most direct impact on their lives" says City of Champaign Township Supervisor, Kyle Patterson.
Strides, a low barrier homeless shelter, is hoping to receive the funding for a permanent place in Champaign.
"Essentially right now, the shelter is funded with temporary COVID-19 relief funds," said Patterson. "This way will allow us to keep it open permanently and have a permanent local funding source."
If voters approve the levy referendum, it will produce an additional $4,000,000 in revenue annually. It is currently funded by federal COVID-19 relief funds from ARPA and those funds will run out by the summer of 2025.
The increase in revenue will also allow the township to increase staffing levels to add to the safety and effectiveness of the shelter and fund street outreach and programs to help shelter guests in acquiring permanent housing.
Additional revenue from the levy increase will also be used to expand the Township’s General Assistance program for individuals applying for Social Security disability. It will also help with the rental assistance program for residents behind on rent or homeless individuals seeking assistance with move in costs.
Additionally the revenue would fund the staffing in the Township Assessor’s office to ensure they can properly and fairly provide accurate property assessments.
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