McHenry Times

On March 19, 1974, a referendum proposition asked voters in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area if they wanted to create a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. The proposal passed by a narrow margin of 50.48%, with significant opposition from the collar counties. In McHenry County alone, only 2,777 out of 30,310 votes supported the proposition.

This report is part of a series focusing on the ongoing crisis with the RTA as it affects McHenry County. Illinois State Rep. Steven Reick has previously outlined the extent of this issue and its causes.

The current focus is on public transportation costs in McHenry County. The RTA manages two transportation methods: Pace suburban bus routes and Metra rail services. Additionally, McHenry County operates the MCRide Dial-a-Ride program and MCRide Connect service using local funds and federal grants administered by the RTA.

Revenue for running the RTA comes from various sources but primarily relies on a sales tax imposed across Northeastern Illinois. Collar counties pay a 0.75% sales tax; one-third of this is returned to fund transportation and public safety investments locally. In 2024, McHenry County remitted $45,739,886 to the RTA and received back $15,011,831.

Reick notes that while some counties use these funds for public safety projects, McHenry County allocates all of it to public transportation. However, he highlights that taxpayers paid $30,728,055 for services they largely did not use.

Additionally discussed is recent legislation enhancing pension benefits for Tier 2 Chicago police officers and firefighters who began work in 2011. This legislation aims to align their pensions with those available to Downstate Police and Fire pension systems but has faced criticism over potential long-term costs estimated at $750 million.

Critics urge Governor Pritzker to veto this bill due to financial concerns: “We also strongly believe that the people who pay taxes should be prioritized too... We urge Pritzker to veto this legislation.”

Reick expressed reluctance in voting for it but acknowledged its inevitable passage: "I wasn’t crazy about voting for this." He emphasized his commitment: "I give a damn because somebody needs to stick up for the people who pay the bill."

Now awaiting action from Governor Pritzker: "He can roll over like my cat... or he can show that he can do the right thing."