Home Rule Pros/Cons

Great question! Curious to hear what others have to say. I live in NL as well and wondered the same. I am not happy about the probable sale tax increase but if my property taxes would truly go down from the villages greater ability to bring in retail, then I am for it. Although if it doesn't get passed now, looks like it will in a few years anyway when we hit 25k.

So, now I am really not sure how to vote. I received a mailing from a realtor that listed definite disadvantages with home rule. NL will eventually get to 25k status... just matter of when. I have a feeling it won't pass... the people who have lived in New Lenox a LONG time really seem to be opposed to any sort of change here.

Yes...I'm New Lenox too and was going to ask the same question here! I know in the short term it seems like a great thing and there are so many suburbs and towns in IL who have it. (see attachment) I'm much more concerned about the long term control that our local government could inflict or the liberties that can be taken with raising our taxes, in a few years. I know we have to do something to lower our taxes in this community, however, I wish someone could help in swaying my opinion. Here's a list of communities....keeping in mind that Orland Park is a home-rule municipality with a large retail base and you have to ask someone there if they have really experienced a decrease in their taxes - I don't think their decreases are that dramatic - if any. Same with Joliet.

http://www.iml.org/dbs/imllegal/dyncat.cfm?catid=77

PLEASE...I hope people in these communities, who are knowledgeable on this subject, will respond. Thanks for asking the question!

I just googled it New Lenox Home Rule and found two helpful articles from The Patriot. Try looking here and maybe this will give you some clarification. I live in NL too, and didn't know anything about it but now I'm going to do more research.

Good luck. So far, from what I've read....it is needed to keep the proposed mall here in NL instead of going to Homer Glen where they would benefit from the sales tax that the mall will generate.