MTD board to weigh 10% levy increase, state grant bids for Urbana transfer center and Illinois Terminal parking
Because the estimate tops 105% of last year's extension, the transit district must hold a Truth in Taxation hearing before adopting a levy.
CHAMPAIGN - The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District board will consider a property tax levy estimate of $14,198,610 at its Wednesday, Oct. 28, meeting, a 10% increase over last year, according to the district's board packet. The meeting starts at 3 p.m. in the North Banquet Room on the fourth floor of Illinois Terminal, 45 E. University Ave.
Resolution 2026-14 puts last year's extension at $12,907,828, so the estimate is $1,290,782 higher. Because that is more than 105% of the prior year, the resolution says state law requires a public Truth in Taxation hearing before the board adopts a levy ordinance. The packet does not give a hearing date.
Trustees will also consider Resolution 2026-15, which would let the district apply to the Illinois Department of Transportation for capital grants covering 100% of two projects: a transit transfer center at 108 E. Water St. in downtown Urbana, estimated at $33.9 million for 2028 construction, and a parking structure tied to the Illinois Terminal expansion, estimated at $19.8 million for 2027. A staff memo says no local match is required but the state is unlikely to fund the full amount.
Also on the agenda is a one-year renewal of C-CARTS fixed-route service in Rantoul at a 5% higher cost; staff say the service ends this month if it is not approved.
Source: MTD Board of Trustees agenda, Oct. 28, 2026 (https://mtd.org/media/4892/10-28-26-agenda.pdf); MTD board packet, Oct. 28, 2026, printed pp. 38-42 and 50-51 (https://mtd.org/media/4893/10-28-26-board-packet-w-page-numbers.pdf).