Elmhurst D-205 Likely To Tax To Max

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 is like a lot of public bodies: It is expected to raise taxes to the maximum allowed.

At this week's school board meeting, Chris Whelton, assistant superintendent of finance, said the district is assuming the board enacts a 5 percent increase in the tax levy later this year.

The levy is the overall amount of money collected from property taxpayers.

With annual inflation at more than 8 percent, many public bodies are expected to raise their tax levies by 5 percent, the cap under state law.

Citing inflation, Whelton said the district has seen big cost hikes with busing and nursing.

"We're definitely going to see cost escalation over the next five years," Whelton said.

Board member Karen Stuefen said she would not vote for this year's budget.

"The explanation is that I said no to the levy. I think that (if) we levy to the max, we need to think about what we really need," Stuefen said. "I think we need to look at it more closely."

Board President Kara Caforio said she appreciated the district's administration being mindful of staffing levels. She said the employee number would be reduced.

Member Athena Arvanitis said the district's budget position was stable. But she said the board has made decisions that would reduce the district's account balances in two or three years.

During a public hearing, resident Ed Rohn said the district should give more detailed information about the budget.

"The public deserves a lot more transparency on where their tax dollars are going, especially if a tax increase is on the horizon," he said to applause from the audience.

Caforio said updated financial information is provided online every month.

The board voted 6-1 for the budget. Stuefen was the lone dissenter.