Elmhurst D205 Won't Reduce Tax Hike

ELMHURST, IL – A divided Elmhurst school board this week decided against scaling back this year's property tax hike.

Meanwhile, the minority warned the board wasn't keeping its word to residents.

In December, the board unanimously voted for a $7.5 million increase to the property tax levy, for a total of $159 million. That means a $245 hike for the owner of a $500,000 home.

On Tuesday, the board considered reducing the homeowner's hike by $25 – a process known as "abatement" in tax jargon.

The district's administration recommended against such a cut. It cited falling interest income, income from a business tax and state transportation reimbursements.

It also noted historically high inflation and escalating health insurance claims.

The district warned of the possibility of a bigger property tax increase next year if the tax hike is scaled back now.

Board member Kelly Henry brought up what she said was another reason – the uncertainty of federal money, with talk of closing the U.S. Department of Education.

"Elmhurst is lucky we only receive 3 percent of our revenue from the federal government. That's still $5 million, which is a lot more than what we are discussing here," she said.

She said that worried her because that money helps low-income and special education students.

Three board members – Kara Caforio, Jim Collins and Courtenae Trautmann – said the board committed to scaling back tax increases for three years. After that time, they said, the district's debt payments will level off.

"I am a person who tries to be as true to my word as I can ever be, and this is something we put out to taxpayers," Caforio said. "It's important for us to keep the commitment. I have looked at the numbers and believe we can afford this."

Member Jim Collins agreed.

"Let's just be good to our commitment," he said.

The trio voted for scaling back the tax increase, while members Henry, Kelly Asseff, Beth Hosler and board President Athena Arvanitis were opposed.