Hinsdale homeowners could see a new line on their property tax bills if voters in Downers Grove Township approve a referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The measure would create a 708 Community Mental Health Board, a citizen-run agency that would assess local needs and direct tax dollars to mental health, developmental disability and substance use disorder services. The tax would cost the owner of a $400,000 home about $67 a year, according to the township.

Downers Grove Township is the only one of nine townships in DuPage County without an active 708 board, according to The Hinsdalean. The township includes all or parts of Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Darien and Downers Grove.

The Downers Grove Township Board passed a resolution on July 20 placing the question before voters. The ballot language asks whether the township should levy an annual tax "not to exceed 0.05%" to fund community mental health facilities and services. That rate is one-third of the 0.15% maximum allowed under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act.

If the referendum passes, the Township Supervisor would appoint all members of the new board within 60 days.

Before voters head to the polls, a public forum on the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St. in Hinsdale. Hinsdale Village President Greg Hart, NAMI DuPage President and CEO Meredith Kober and Ray Graham Association CEO Kim Zoeller will speak. Dr. Lanny Wilson of Hinsdale will moderate.

The township board cited a growing gap between residents' mental health, developmental disability and substance use disorder service needs and the resources available to meet them. Supporters have launched a website, Advocate for 708, named after the original Illinois House bill that authorized townships to levy taxes for mental health services, as reported by Patch.

Under state law, the township cannot use its resources to advocate for or against the tax but can provide factual information about it.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election is already underway at DuPage County sites. The Hinsdale Village Hall location opens Oct. 19. Election Day, Nov. 3, is a state holiday, and schools will be closed.