The McHenry County Board is considering the largest single-year property tax increase in our county's history. Just last year, the Board assured residents that if we voted in favor of the Mental Health Board sales tax, they would permanently reduce the property tax levy by an equivalent amount. Now, less than a year later, that promise seems all but forgotten, leaving many residents rightfully feeling betrayed and lied to.

This tax hike comes at a time when the average citizen is already facing mounting financial pressures. The cost of living continues to climb, and families across McHenry County are struggling to make ends meet. Adding an unprecedented property tax increase to our burdens not only contradicts previous commitments but also disregards the economic realities faced by many in our community.

Fiscal responsibility and transparency must be the cornerstone of our local governance. It is critical that the McHenry County Board honors its initial commitment to its residents both now and in the future. A failure to do so not only erodes the trust between citizens and their representatives but sets a dangerous precedent for breaking promises in the future.

We demand the elected members of the McHenry County Board and its Chairman Michael Buehler to keep their word, reconsider this devastating proposed tax hike, and actually demonstrate the leadership they boast about so frequently.

Seek alternatives for balancing the budget without unfairly impacting residents who are already financially stressed to their limits. Efforts should be made to explore cost-saving measures, reassess unnecessary expenditures, and prioritize the efficient allocation of funds.

By signing this petition, we call on the McHenry County Board to uphold the promise it made just last year to offset the sales tax increase with a permanent, offsetting reduction to its property tax levy. Find viable solutions that do not rely on further drowning its citizens in unsustainable tax increases!

By signing this petition, we call on McHenry County Chairman Michael Buehler to not be complicit in supporting the highest single-year percentage property tax hike in the county’s history by placing it on the county’s agenda despite the proposed increase’s failure to be recommended by ANY county committee!

Promises were made. Promises should be kept.

Let's stand together to ensure our voices are heard and to hold our local government accountable to the promises they make!

Please sign and share this petition to show your firm commitment to “Remember In March and November” and vote against any politician who supports this betrayal to our neighbors, friends, and families.