Elmhurst D205 Debates Taxing To Max

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst School District 205 board voted this week to increase next year's property tax levy to the maximum allowed under state law.

One board member argued against such a move, saying it would hurt taxpayers.

In a presentation, the administration pushed a 5 percent increase in the tax levy. It cited big cost increases in contracts such as busing, as well as health claims driving up insurance premiums.

Officials also noted historic inflation and labor shortages causing wages to increase.

At the same time, they said the district's tax rates and costs per student were low compared to similar districts.

In the board's discussion, member Jim Collins said if the board enacted the 5 percent hike, tax levy increases over the last three years would amount to 19 percent. That would include levy hikes for new construction in town and debt for school building projects.

"I think we have to think about the taxpayers here," he said. "I will contend the school district and the quality of education we provide at the price we provide it is most likely the No. 1 reason people move to this community. So I think it is worth our effort to keep our property taxes low."

Board President Kara Caforio asked Collins how the district could avoid the 5 percent tax hike without compromising the quality of education.

Collins said the district had to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money. In recent years, he said, the district has added two certified staff members for every additional student.

Caforio said the district plans to cut a number of positions, while other positions are vacant because of labor shortages.

She also said students have more needs now and that students who have English as a second language need support.

"We have a responsibility to the taxpayers, our fellow community members, but we also have a responsibility to the students," Caforio said.

Collins said the district could do without such a large increase and still be healthy financially. For years, the levy only went up 1 or 2 percent and the district was able to build up $45 million in its bank account, he said.

"It's time to spend some of that reserve helping out taxpayers because this is unprecedented," Collins said, noting high inflation. "I think we risk pricing some current residents out of their homes by increasing property taxes at such a high rate."

Board member Athena Arvanitis said she was heartened by the statistics presented by the district showing relatively low tax rates and costs per student.

"Our residents are getting a pretty quality education for the price they're paying," she said. "We have been and are good stewards."

The board voted 4-1 for the 5 percent tax levy increase. Caforio, Arvanitis, Beth Hosler and Courtenae Trautmann supported the hike, while Collins was against it

Members Chris Kocinski and Karen Stuefen were absent.

Other public bodies, including Hinsdale High School District 86 and Lyons Township High School, are poised to increase their tax levies by 5 percent as well.