Northfield Park District Seeks Tax Increase for Upgrades

Referendum on March 17 ballot would raise property taxes to fund community improvements

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Northfield Park District is asking voters to approve a 0.1% tax rate increase in the March 17, 2026 election. The increase would generate an estimated $700 per year in additional property taxes on a median-priced home in the district, which would fund a $10 million master plan for upgrades and maintenance to parks, facilities, and infrastructure.

Why it matters

The Northfield Park District has not raised taxes in over a decade, and this increase would allow them to make much-needed improvements to community spaces and amenities. Voter approval is required to raise the district's tax rate, which is currently the lowest or second lowest in the region.

The details

The tax increase would fund a new north side pocket park, a $2-3 million expansion of the Community Center, $2.5-3.5 million in upgrades to Willow Park, and various maintenance projects like pickleball/tennis court repairs, ice rink water costs, baseball field renovations, and playground surfacing. The district argues it has been a responsible steward of taxpayer funds, completing over $11 million in capital projects in the last 25 years.

  • The referendum will be on the March 17, 2026 ballot.
  • A similar tax increase request was narrowly rejected by voters in 2025 by just 32 votes.
  • The Northfield Park District has spent the last several months promoting and educating the community about the need for this tax increase.

The players

Northfield Park District

The local government agency responsible for parks, recreation, and community facilities in Northfield, Illinois.

Bill Byron

Executive Director of the Northfield Park District.

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What they’re saying

“This is what the community asked for. This is by far the most reasonable and responsible way to fund it. People are more used to a bond referendum. This is a tax rate increase that will support us forever. We tried to pick an amount that would be a minimum increase to taxpayers.”

— Bill Byron, Executive Director, Northfield Park District (chicagotribune.com)

“For what we can put back into the community, it is reasonable. It's not that much from that perspective, but it depends on your point of view. It's less than $1 a day on a million-dollar home. It would allow us to start executing our $10 million master plan. When you look at it that way, it becomes a little more tangible.”

— Bill Byron, Executive Director, Northfield Park District (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

Voters in the Northfield Park District will decide on the 0.1% tax increase referendum on March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This referendum represents a community-driven effort to invest in Northfield's parks, facilities, and infrastructure after over a decade without a tax increase. While the proposed hike may be modest, it could have a significant impact on the district's ability to maintain and improve valued community assets.