D122 Approves Tax Increase With 4-2 Vote

The District 122 school board approved its 2011 property tax levy Wednesday night, and the average resident will pay about $15 more to the district than last year.

Overall, the district is asking to levy $43,997,253, the maximum amount it could under tax cap law. The reason behind asking for the max is that the actual amount received is always lower. The district estimates it will collect $43,644,643.

Members Maureen Broderick and Sue Smith voted against the increase. Member Pat Martino was absent, so the measure passed 4-2.

"I just think more discussion should have been had to living within our current means," Smith said.

The board held a public hearing before the meeting, specifically for feedback about the levy, but no one spoke.

The $15 figure is based on an average for a homeowner with a $300,000 home, business manager Harold Huang said. That amount could have been a lot higher—as much as a $114 increase—but the board saved taxpayers money next year by refinancing its debt.

Over the course of the last year, the to save taxpayers money in the short term and hope that new growth helps share the cost later, when taxes will be back-loaded. The scenario approved Nov. 16 will increase the district's tax rate just 1 cent for the next three years and 2 cents for the following three years.

However, this plan adds about $20 million in interest owed by the district, which concerned some members.

*Figures for 2011 indicate the estimated amount that will actually be collected.

The next time the board gathers is Thursday, Jan. 19, for a strategic planning meeting. Its next official board meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the .