More Reasons Given For Elmhurst D-205 Tax Hike

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst School District 205 gave more reasons for a property tax hike this week than it did in October.

On Tuesday, the school board voted 5-2 for an increase to the annual property tax levy. Members Karen Stuefen and Jim Collins dissented.

The tax increase means the owner of a $500,000 house would see a 5 percent increase in property taxes, or $355.

Last year, the board decided to reduce the debt-related portion of the property tax levy by $3.1 million, a process known as abatement. That meant the taxpayers' payments for the debt would be spread out over later years. The district said it did so because it was unable to provide in-person instruction for several months last school year.

At the October board meeting, Collins argued for providing taxpayers some reduction in the debt part of the tax bill again. In a preliminary vote at the meeting, Collins and Stuefen voted against the tax increase, which was the same proposal approved Tuesday.

In the October memo, Assistant Superintendent Chris Whelton argued against giving taxpayers abatement again. Among other reasons, he noted the district had four more years of construction projects. He said that while the budget included the possibility of higher project costs, pandemic-related supply chain issues and labor shortages could cause an even greater escalation of prices.

In this week's memo, Whelton added new reasons against giving taxpayers another year's break. He cited the board's decisions to expand the scope of projects at Field and Fischer elementary schools. He also noted the district bid out Jackson Elementary's project with an alternative for two more classrooms, which the board approved Tuesday.

In 2019, local voters decided to allow the district to go $168 million in debt to pay for school projects, including the replacements of Lincoln and Field elementary schools.

Lately, board members have focused on the expanded costs for projects such as Field and Jackson. Last week, board members had an unusually pointed debate over how much money the district should sock away in its bank account. The expanded projects were cited as a reason for a higher threshold for cash on hand.

The school district makes up three-quarters of the local property tax bill.