Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts 2025 Tax Levy Following Public Hearing

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025

Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education approved the 2025 tax levy after hearing concerns from residents regarding property tax burdens. Superintendent Mike Shackelford noted that while property values are projected to rise significantly, the district’s levy reflects a smaller percentage of growth.

Tax Levy Hearing Key Points:

• Projected Growth: The Clark County Assessor projected a 17% growth in the District Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) for the 2025 levy.

• Levy Adjustment: The proposed levy reflects an EAV growth equal to 7.5%, rather than the full projected 17%.

• Public Concern: Residents expressed worries about high property taxes and the impact on those with fixed incomes.

• Solar Farm Impact: Officials discussed future tax relief potential from planned solar farms, though benefits are likely years away.

CASEY, Ill. — The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education on Monday, December 15, 2025, voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 Property Tax Levy Resolution following a Truth in Taxation hearing where residents voiced concerns about rising costs.

Superintendent Mike Shackelford opened the hearing by reporting data received from the Clark County Assessor. While the growth in the District Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) for the 2025 levy—payable in 2026—is projected to be 17%, Shackelford presented a summary of a proposed levy that reflected an EAV growth of only 7.5%.

During the public comment portion of the hearing, resident Shannon Ashley addressed the Board, noting that Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the nation. Ashley reported an increase in his personal property taxes and stated that 52% of the bill goes to the school district. He expressed concern for elderly homeowners and those on fixed incomes, asking how the district was striving to live within its means.

Resident Brandon Burkybile echoed Ashley’s sentiments and inquired about the prospect of planned solar farms and their potential effect on the EAV and future levies.

Shackelford responded that the addition of solar farms would result in increased EAV. He explained that this increase would be covered by the solar farm revenue, which should eventually result in a lower tax rate for residential taxpayers.

Board President Tracy Gelb noted that the solar farms are still a couple of years away from coming online, making it difficult to speculate on their immediate impact.

Following the close of the hearing at 7:24 p.m., the Board voted to adopt the 2025 Tax Levy Resolution. Board members Becky Clement, Erin Fain, Tracy Gelb, Shane Todd, Lisa Huddlestun, and Mike Fouty voted in favor. Board member Jason Sharp was absent.