Elmhurst D205 Tax Hike: 'A High Return On Investment'

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst School District 205 board on Tuesday took a final vote to raise next year's property tax levy by the maximum allowed under state law.

That was after the assistant superintendent of finance, Chris Whelton, presented a chart showing the district had the lowest tax rate among what officials consider seven comparable districts.

In his presentation, he said the district "consistently delivers a high return on investment while maintaining the lowest tax rate and providing all students with robust high-quality programming and enhanced learning experiences."

He noted historic labor shortages and a 37 percent increase in health insurance expenses, among other things.

As with other tax levy discussions, member Jim Collins said he opposed going to the maximum of 5 percent. Last year's increase was nearly the same.

With next year's hike, Collins said, taxpayers will see greater tax increases over three years than they did over the previous decade.

"I think the school district can exist and thrive with a little less," Collins said. "I can support a 3 percent, 3.5 percent or maybe even a 4 percent increase, but not 5. Our taxpayers have been extremely supportive. We need to keep them in mind. That's why I'll be voting no."

Board President Athena Arvanitis said it wasn't an easy decision.

"There are two competing interests that have, in my opinion, equal weight. We have to take the taxpayer seriously, of course, and balance that with what students need," she said.

All the board members but Collins backed the 5 percent tax levy increase.