House candidate Parrilli casts lone ‘no’ vote on Westmont tax increase: ‘I cannot vote in favor of an increased tax levy’
At the Westmont Village Board meeting on Nov. 20, Trustee Gina Parrilli, who is running for Illinois’ 45th House District, was the sole dissenting vote on the proposed 2026 property tax levy, citing concerns over the state’s already high tax burden.
The board approved an $11.3 million village levy, reflecting a 4.89% increase.
Finance Director Allen Altic explained that typical residents would likely see a 2.9% increase, roughly $30 annually.
"I have a hard time supporting any type of tax levy," Parrilli said at the Nov. 20 meeting. "It's not that the Village of Westmont is doing a poor job, I just feel that the state of Illinois is not performing well. We already face the highest combined state and local tax burden, including the highest property taxes. In all good conscience, I cannot vote in favor of an increased tax levy."
The board also approved a 4.99% levy increase for Special Service Area 2, which funds fire services in the Liberty Park neighborhood, with Parrilli again casting the lone “no” vote.
Altic emphasized that property taxes cover only about 54% of core services, including public safety, retirement costs, insurance and library services.
Westmont’s full $120.05 million 2026 budget was also adopted, prioritizing major capital projects such as a planned $24-$27 million South-end fire station and reducing the telecommunications tax from 6% to 5%.
The board passed the budget by roll call with broad support and announced plans to move forward with a bond-issuance timetable from January through March to finance key capital projects.
Parrilli has been outspoken about rising taxes, government spending and declining public services.
She argues that Illinois’ high tax burden is driving residents out of the state and pledges to fight for affordability, tax relief, and accountability.
When announcing her run, Parrilli also criticized state spending tied to sanctuary policies that provide safe harbor for illegal aliens and expressed concern over election integrity, declining academic performance, and inappropriate school materials.
Her vote against Westmont’s tax levy increase reflects broader concerns for Illinoisans.
Since at least 2022, Illinois residents have faced the nation’s highest property taxes and highest combined state and local tax rates, with pension obligations consuming a growing share of revenue, according to Illinois Policy.
A WalletHub report found the average Illinois household pays $9,488 annually in state and local taxes, more than 15% of income and nearly 39% above the national average, with much of the burden funding the state’s $219 billion pension debt.
Nearly 3 in 5 residents say the public services they receive are not worth the cost, largely because pension obligations crowd out funding for essential services. High taxes have contributed to a population exodus.
According to Illinois Policy, in some municipalities, 100% of property tax revenue goes to pensions, leaving less for schools and essential services.
Per the Nov. 20 budget presentation, in Westmont, property taxes fund only about 54% of the costs for core village services such as public safety, retirement benefits, liability insurance and the library. For 2025, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund is set to receive $717,427, while the Police Pension Fund is scheduled to receive $3,541,641.
Overall, village property taxes account for roughly 11% of a resident’s total property tax bill, supporting just 13% of the village’s operating budget and 7% of the total budget. By comparison, local schools receive the largest portion at 71%, with the park district, library, College of DuPage and DuPage County sharing the remainder.
Illinois Policy reports that since 2020 Illinois has lost more than 420,000 residents to other states, and Chicago’s population has declined by 128,034, its lowest level in at least a century. Its analysts argue that structural pension reform is needed to reduce property taxes and retain residents.
Additionally, a recent poll commissioned by Illinois Policy shows 52% of Illinois voters and 35% of Chicago voters cite high taxes as their top concern, far outpacing economic worries.
Republican lawmakers warn that if trends continue, Illinois could lose up to 1 million residents by 2050, forcing even higher taxes on those who remain.
Parrilli is challenging incumbent Democrat State Rep. Martha Deuter (D-Elmhurst) in the Nov. 3, 2026, election for the 45th House District.
The 45th House District is primarily located in DuPage County, with a small portion extending into Cook County, and spans 11 municipalities, including Elmhurst, Westmont, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Addison, Oakbrook Terrace, Willowbrook and Villa Park.