Champaign County residents will head to the polls in May to decide on a pair of major funding measures, including an Urbana City Schools 1% earned income tax levy and ongoing community support initiatives tied to local developmental disability services. Early voting is already underway ahead of the May 5, 2026 election, when both topics will be on the ballot.
The updates were shared during a Champaign County learning event held Thursday night at the old high school auditorium, where two local organizations outlined their services, challenges, and future needs.
The Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities is asking voters to approve a 1.5-mill property tax levy for five years to support programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities across the county.
The board highlighted the range of services it provides to residents from birth through adulthood. Officials began with Early Intervention programs for children ages birth to three, which include developmental evaluations, therapy services, and family coaching designed to support learning in everyday environments. Specialized offerings such as the Autism Diagnosis Education Program (ADEP) and the PLAY Project were also discussed.
For individuals age three and older, the agency provides Service and Support Administration, helping families coordinate care, determine eligibility, and access services such as assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and local funding resources. The system also includes behavioral support, crisis intervention, and ongoing advocacy for individuals and families. In total, the agency serves 434 people across Champaign County.
Superintendent Leigh Anne Wenning talks about why the board is asking for the levy and what would be lost without it.
The board also emphasized its Community Education and Outreach programs, which focus on employment support, job training, volunteer opportunities, and social engagement activities aimed at increasing independence and inclusion in the community.
Urbana City Schools officials also presented an overview of the district’s financial outlook and the proposed 1% earned income tax levy on the May ballot. If approved, the tax would take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to earned income for district residents.
District leaders said the measure is intended to provide a more stable funding source as state support declines and property tax revenue remains largely unchanged. They noted the district is projecting a $500,000 loss in state funding next year, adding to long-term financial pressures.
Revenue from the levy would support daily operations, including classroom instruction, student services, technology, transportation, and facility upkeep, with officials saying the goal is to avoid cuts to academic and extracurricular programs.
The tax would amount to $10 annually for every $1,000 of earned income. School leaders also pointed to recent cost-cutting efforts, including staff reductions, while continuing to prioritize classroom spending.
Both the school levy and broader community initiatives will be part of the May election, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on funding decisions that will shape services and education across Champaign County.
Alongside those services, Urbana City Schools officials outlined the district’s financial outlook and a proposed 1% earned income tax levy that will appear on the May ballot. If approved, the levy would take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to earned income for district residents.
District leaders said the proposal comes as state funding continues to decline and property tax revenue remains largely stagnant. They noted the district is projecting a loss of about $500,000 in state funding next year, adding to ongoing financial pressures tied to rising operational costs.
The levy is intended to provide a more stable funding source for day-to-day operations, including classroom instruction, student services, technology, transportation, and facility maintenance. Officials said the goal is to maintain current academic and extracurricular offerings while avoiding future cuts.
School leaders also pointed to recent cost-cutting efforts, including the elimination of 10 positions since 2020, while maintaining a strong emphasis on classroom spending compared to other districts statewide.
Superintendent Charles Thiel and Treasurer Mandy Hildebrand also spoke to the Urbana Lions Club members on Wednesday. Thiel discusses what he spoke about at both meetings.
The proposed tax would amount to $10 annually for every $1,000 of earned income. Early voting is already underway ahead of the May election.
Both the Urbana City Schools earned income tax levy and the broader community initiatives presented by the Board of Developmental Disabilities will appear on the May ballot, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on funding priorities that will impact services and education across Champaign County.
