Hinsdale D86 Unites For Max Tax Hike

HINSDALE, IL – All six members of the Hinsdale High School District 86 voted last week to raise property taxes to the maximum under state law.

The members are Jeff Waters, Catherine Greenspon, Peggy James, Asma Akhras, Terri Walker and Abed Rahman.

Under the law, a public body can increase the 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.

The district's administration recommended a 5 percent increase. This is the second year that the board is enacting such a hike.

At the meeting, board member Jeff Waters noted the district can trim back the increase early next year under a process known as "abatement."

Board members spoke about such a process last year, and it never happened, as Waters acknowledged.

"Several of our expenditures have found their way much higher than the district's ability to levy," Waters said.

At the same time, he said members are sensitive to the effects of inflation on constituents. He said members wanted to "champion" opportunities to cut costs.

"It's important for the community to know that we are partnered with you, and we do hear you as it relates to expenditures," Waters said. "We will be vigilant and observant and extremely data-driven to watch through that process."

District 86 is far from alone in seeking the maximum 5 percent increase. The village of Hinsdale, Lyons Township High School and Elmhurst School District 205 are going the same way.

Unlike municipalities, school districts, especially those in wealthy areas, are heavily dependent on property taxes.