What is a PTELL Referendum and How Does it Work? – Civic Federatoin

In the State of Illinois, non-home rule units of government located in counties subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) are limited in the size of their annual property tax extension to 5% or the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. However, the limitation is subject to some exceptions and can be increased by referendum. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is reportedly considering asking taxpayers for a larger levy to pay for pensions and a large backlog of land restoration and maintenance needs.