District 113A Looks To Approve Referendum Question For November

LEMONT, IL — Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A is looking to approve a ballot question for a referendum which would include the reopening Central School and the addition of full-day kindergarten.

The board of education will hold a special meeting Aug. 10 to approve the following question, which would appear on the Nov. 3 ballot:

"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A, Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.300% above the limiting rate for school purposes for levy year 2019 and be equal to 2.134% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2020?"

While the board is looking to approve a 30 cent operating rate increase, property taxes would not actually increase, the district said on its website. The district is paying off some of its debt, so even if the referendum is approved, taxpayers would see a net decrease of about 6 percent on the district's portion of their property tax bill.

If the referendum is approved, it would provide the district with an additional $3.5 million in revenue per year. With these funds, the district said it would reopen Central School, add full-day kindergarten, reduce class sizes, add administrative support, provide additional student support services, enhance student safety and security, and add teachers and staff.

“As a board, we have worked in collaboration with our administration, staff, and families in our community to identify the district’s most pressing needs, develop potential solutions and prioritize where we can best direct our resources,” Board President Damon Ascolani said in a release from the district. “Right now, the timing of a referendum solution would lead to a net property tax decrease. We would essentially be sharing the savings from our retiring bond
payments with taxpayers. We look forward to a robust discussion at our next special meeting.”

The district said it is planning a variety of virtual events to share information about the referendum.