Unanimous Backing For Hinsdale D86 Tax Hike

HINSDALE, IL – Over the summer, Jeff Waters, a member of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, warned he would not agree to raise taxes by "one penny" without a close analysis of spending.

Last week, Waters joined a unanimous board in approving a 5 percent increase to the district's property tax levy.

The board, including Waters, gave preliminary approval to the proposed levy last month.

Given that inflation is over 7 percent, the district was able to increase its levy by 5 percent under state law. Many school districts are doing just that.

In voting for the tax hike, Waters noted he spoke about "fiscal responsibility" at a number of meetings a few months ago.

"I hope this board and the future board has a careful eye on fiscal responsibility," Waters said.

He said the board discussed a number of possibilities, including zero-based budgeting and reducing taxes later through a process known as "abatement."

Ultimately, though, Waters said he supported the tax levy recommendation by Josh Stephenson, the district's chief financial officer.

Nearly a decade ago, a board majority approved keeping the property tax levy the same, rather than increasing it with the rate of inflation. Such a decision maintains a financial effect on a public body for years to come.

Former board President Kay Gallo, who has criticized the board on other issues, supported the decision to increase the levy by 5 percent. She noted the experience years ago.