Voters in Homewood will have a chance to tell elected officials on March 20, 2018, they don’t want to gamble with having to pay higher property taxes or additional fees. They are being urged to vote against Home Rule.

Illinois REALTORS® is working to make sure that Homewood residents understand the perils of Home Rule.

Voters in Homewood will get a chance on March 20, 2018 to tell elected officials they do not want Home Rule.

Residents of the community of about 20,000 people near Chicago will get a chance on March 20 to tell officials that they don’t want Home Rule. The ballot initiative is one of at least three Home Rule votes in the state, including Rockford and Merrionette Park.

In a community without Home Rule, voters have the final say on most taxes and fees through a referendum process. With Home Rule, elected officials have the power to increase taxes and fees without any direct voter approval.

Illinois REALTORS® has worked in communities statewide to defeat Home Rule initiatives. In recent years there have been Home Rule defeats in cities including Westchester, Franklin Park, Yorkville and Ottawa.

For those living in communities facing a decision on Home Rule, the result of a “yes” vote can be higher property taxes and new fees which add to the cost of living in a community.

To learn more, see an explanation on Home Rule at Real Property Alliance’s website which explains in more detail the dangers Home Rule poses.