Big Budget Cuts In Hinsdale D-86?

BURR RIDGE, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member said last week he would vote against raising taxes by "one penny," unless the board closely analyzes spending.

Just a month ago, member Jeff Waters joined his colleagues in approving the annual budget. He has gone along with most financial decisions since joining the board in April 2021, but he has taken a new approach recently.

"I've been on this conservative financial bent for the last handful of meetings," Waters said at Thursday's school board session. "This board member will not raise taxes one penny until there is severe and serious consideration for existing expenses."

This year, many public bodies are expected to increase their property tax levies to the max, which is 5 percent. They would be allowed to do so because the consumer price index has increased by more than 8 percent in the last year.

In his comments, Waters offered no suggestions on where the district should strike the budget ax. Most of the budget is devoted to salary and benefits.

"We need to eyeball expenses before impacting taxpayers by a dime," he said.

In recent months, he has expressed concern over legal bills. Over six years, the district has spent $2.1 million with its outside law firm.

Waters called his fellow board members "wonderful servants to the community."

"To serve our community, we have to inspect, observe and consider opportunities for cost savings before we consider a tax hike," he said.

Like most schools, District 86 is seeing increases in energy and transportation costs, among others. Next year, the district is expected to negotiate a new contract with the teachers union, which also will likely drive up spending.

Earlier in Thursday's meeting, board President Erik Held said the district is under budget for the third year in a row.

"We are seeing an inflation cost on everything right now," Held said. "Just because we have budgeted something doesn't mean we're finding an excuse to spend it."

The board is expected to vote on its property tax levy in December.