District 39 Won't Be Able to Balance Budget With Property Tax Freeze

If Senate Bill 318 passes through the Illinois House of Representatives, the proposed two-year property tax freeze beginning in 2017 would have a significant impact on local school districts, including Wilmette School District 39.

If the bill passes, District 39’s property tax revenues - which make up about 85 percent of the District’s revenues - would be frozen at the 2016 level for two years.

“It is clear that District 39 could not maintain a balanced budget under a property tax freeze,” Superintendent Ray Lechner wrote in a letter to the community. “The District would have limited means to reduce expenditures. Any increase in property taxes to provide added revenue would require voters to pass a referendum.”