Center Cass Tax Hike Election Soon

DARIEN, IL — Voters in Center Cass School District 66 will decide June 28 whether to approve a measure that would see their district property taxes rise by nearly 25 percent.

Center Cass, which serves residents in Darien and Downers Grove, says if the measure is passed, it would help rebuild the district’s finances. Superintendent Andrew Wise told My Suburban Life the district has had to pull money from COVID-19 relief to pay teachers.

Patch reported in March that the district’s salaries were on the high end compared to nearby schools.

Supporters of the increase say misconceptions exist about how much it will impact residents’ property tax bills. They encourage residents to use the tax calculator on the district’s website to find out how much their property taxes will increase.

Opponents of the ballot measure point to their skepticism about the district’s financial management. They also believe Center Cass should not be seeking additional money just 5 years after a $13 million referendum was passed.

Early voting is underway in Illinois. The election is June 28.