Unanimous Vote For Hinsdale D-86 Budget

HINSDALE, IL – The board for Hinsdale High School District 86 last week approved the final version of the annual budget.

Despite the board's divisions, the vote was unanimous. That has usually been the case with financial matters.

Last week's vote included member Jeff Waters, who said a month ago that he would oppose increasing taxes without a close analysis of spending.

"This board member will not raise taxes one penny until there is severe and serious consideration for existing expenses," he said at a meeting.

District officials described no major changes to the budget.

Because of inflation of more than 8 percent, most public bodies in Illinois are expected to raise their tax levies by 5 percent, the limit under state law.

A tax levy is largely based on how much a public body says it needs – in other words, its budget.

During the budget hearing, board members praised the work of the district's chief financial officer, Josh Stephenson, and his staff.

The current teachers union contract is set to expire next summer. The costs associated with the new agreement could have a big impact on the following year's budget.