County Government

Mental Health Board Sales Tax Referendum FAQ

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On December 19, 2023, the McHenry County Board voted to put the following question on the March 19 ballot: 

To pay for mental health purposes, shall McHenry County be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales taxes by one-quarter (1/4) percent and discontinue the current property tax levy funding mental health services and the Mental Health Board? 

This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional 25 cents in sales tax for every $100 of tangible personal property bought at retail. This sales tax would take effect on July 1, 2024.  This would remove the $10,975,000 from the property tax levy allocated for the Mental Health Board effective November 30, 2024. 

What is the effective date of the sales tax increase if this referendum passes?
When will residents see property tax relief if the referendum passes?
What happens if referendum fails?
What is the anticipated revenue from the 0.25% increase of sales tax?
What is the current funding for the Mental Health Board?
What items are exempt from a mental health sales tax?
Can sales taxes fund services for individuals with disabilities and individuals with substance use disorder?
Do any other counties have a mental health sales tax?
Which service providers does the Mental Health Board fund?
Will the mental health sales tax be uniform across the county?
How can county residents vote on the referendum?
Can the McHenry County Board keep both the Mental Health Board property tax levy and the mental health sales tax if the referendum passes?
Can mental health sales tax funds be diverted to pay for other County expenses?