Belleville Can't Afford More Waste. Neither Can You.
We are organizing concerned residents to educate their neighbors, improve public policy at the local level, and lessen our tax burden. Are you in?
Belleville's economic burden: By the numbers
Belleville homeowners pay an effective property tax rate of 2.55%, above even Illinois's already-high state median of 2.33%, and more than double the national average of 1.02%. The median Belleville tax bill runs $3,334 a year, $934 more than the typical American homeowner pays.
The city raised its property tax levy by nearly $900,000 in a single year, and more than 68% of that increase went straight to police and firefighter pensions. Reports have shown Belleville's fire pension fund holds less than 43 cents for every dollar it owes in future benefits. Homeowners are paying more, into a system that's still falling further behind.
Belleville residents spend an average of $1,725 a month on basic bills like housing, utilities, and insurance — 36% of the average household's income. Just down the road in O'Fallon, residents pay similar dollar amounts but keep a far bigger share of their paycheck, thanks to a lighter tax burden.
Right after raising your property taxes, Belleville's city council voted 13-1 to commit hundreds of thousands in taxpayer matching funds to convert a building into "City Market", a project one alderman warned could become a "money pit." No vendors were ever signed up. After money was already spent on design work, city officials quietly determined the plan wasn't feasible after all.
What's Driving It
Policy Failures
They Raised Your Taxes, Then Gambled on a "Money Pit"
Right after voting to raise the property tax levy, Belleville's city council voted 13-1 to commit hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to the "City Market" project, a plan one of their own alderman warned could become a "money pit" competing with existing downtown businesses. No vendors ever signed up. After money was already spent on design and cost estimates, city officials quietly admitted the plan wasn't feasible.
Decades of Pension Mismanagement, Now Your Problem
Belleville's fire pension fund has been reported to hold less than 43 cents for every dollar it owes in future benefits, even after taxpayer contributions rose more than 34% in just five years. Now residents are stuck footing the bill for decades of decisions they had no part in making.
No Debt Limit, No Real Check on Spending
Belleville operates under Illinois "home rule" authority, meaning the city faces no legal debt limit and isn't required to get voter approval before taking on new debt. When there's no built-in check on how much a city government can borrow or spend, taxpayers are left trusting officials to police themselves, and the City Market episode shows exactly how that trust gets repaid.
We Need Leaders Like You
Communities like yours need leaders to change children's outcomes. They're protected by driven residents who show up, speak out, and take action.
Education
Learn how the city council functions, how to speak at community events and to board members directly.
Connection
Connect with a growing network of neighbors who share your concerns and are ready to stand together and demand change.
Action
Get practical tools to participate in school board and other city government meetings, submit public comments, and hold local officials accountable.
Support
Ongoing help from experienced community advocates who've successfully driven change across Belleville and other parts of Illinois.
Are You In?
Submit your information and our team will personally reach out to you.
We will never sell your or share your information.