Elmhurst D205's Taxes Lower Than Others: Official

ELMHURST, IL – In making the case for a property tax hike, Elmhurst School District 205 says it has the lowest tax rate among the six districts it selected as comparable, the superintendent said in a memo.

The districts are Barrington District 220, Wheaton-based District 200, Geneva District 304, Aurora-based Indian Prairie District 204, Naperville District 203 and St. Charles District 303. The districts are like Elmhurst – they include all grades.

Under the law, a public body can increase its property tax levy by the rate of inflation up to 5 percent.

As of December 2022 – when the inflation rate is gauged for tax purposes – it was 6.5 percent.

District 205's administration is recommending a 5 percent increase in the property tax levy, which is the total amount collected. Officials are presenting the proposal at Tuesday's board meeting.

Last year, District 205 increased its property tax levy to the maximum allowed under state law, 5 percent. It scaled it back a little a couple of months later.

As a wealthy district, District 205 relies heavily on property taxes, which make up about 80 percent of its income.

In a memo recommending the tax increase, Superintendent Keisha Campbell said the district is not immune to inflation.

"Property taxes are imperative to cover the rising costs required to continue developing and maintaining high-quality schools and drive student success," Campbell said in the memo.

Historic labor shortages, she said, have had a big effect on the district's ability to attract and keep staff in various positions. And health claims and medical inflation are resulting in historic premium increases of 37 percent.

Campbell noted the increases in the costs of busing, nursing, athletic training, and building repairs and maintenance.

District 205 makes up about three-fourths of the local property tax bill, while the city of Elmhurst is at 7 percent. Elmhurst officials are recommending no increase in the city's property levy next year.

Unlike schools, cities enjoy other sources of income such as sales taxes, a share of the state's income tax, fees and fines.