Manhattan Announces Proposed 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 4, 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board has announced a proposed 2025 property tax levy of $3,828,252, which represents an approximate 6.09% increase over the previous year’s extension, attributing the rise to community growth and inflation.

Proposed 2025 Tax Levy Key Points:

• The proposed levy is $3,828,252, an increase of $219,827 over the 2024 tax extension of $3,608,425.

• The increase is driven primarily by inflation and the assessed value of new construction in the village.

• State law requires the village to announce the proposed levy at least 20 days before the final ordinance is passed.

MANHATTAN, IL – The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, announced its proposed 2025 property tax levy is $3,828,252. The figure represents a $219,827, or 6.09%, increase over the 2024 tax extension of $3,608,425.

Finance Director Justin VanVooren presented the figures, explaining that the increase is necessary to support essential services and infrastructure projects while accounting for inflation and significant community growth, including new construction. According to village documents, the total equalized assessed value (EAV) in Manhattan is projected to increase from approximately $384.7 million to $422.8 million.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, we aim to ensure that the levy continues to support essential services, community infrastructure, and local programs while remaining mindful of the financial impacts on our residents,” stated a village memo on the subject.

During the meeting, VanVooren explained the tax levy process for residents. “The county clerk uses the information provided by the township assessor to then take the levy and apply it across all of the houses, commercial, industrial buildings,” he said. “That is what determines the tax rate.”

This announcement serves as a public notification, as required by state law, at least 20 days prior to the final vote. The board is scheduled to vote on the final tax levy ordinance on December 2, 2025.