District 91 Asks For Limiting Rate Increase: Lockport General Election

LOCKPORT, IL — Voters who live within the boundaries of District 91 in Lockport will see a referendum from the district on the ballot on Tuesday.

The ballot will have a proposition to increase the limiting rate of Lockport School District 91. The question will read:

"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Lockport School District 91, Will County, Illinois be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.2232 percent above the limiting rate for school purposes for levy year 2021 and be equal to 3.4276 percent of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2022?"

If approved, the limiting rate increase proceeds would be used to maintain, repair and update both of the district's schools, Milne Grove and Kelvin Grove.

According to the district website, the limiting rate change would replace the current building bond, which will be paid off in 2023.

The bonds account for $0.22 of the District's tax rate, which generates $400,000 annually. If the referendum is approved, this rate of $0.22 would be applied to maintain the schools.

"This 'increase' will maintain the current tax rate with the bond," the district said on its website.

The District said that the original structure of Kelvin Grove was built in 1951 with the most recent addition in 2000. Last year, the district said it had to spend $105,000 from local funds and $50,000 from a school maintenance grant for the emergency replacement of boilers at the school.
The District said it also has a need to update security systems, remodel the main office at Milne Grove, and replace roofs at Kelvin Grove.

Among other districts in the area, the district has one of the lowest average operating expense per student, with an average of $14,325 in 2021. Comparatively, Taft District 90 had an average of $14,930 in 2021, and Homer 33C had an average of $15,427, according to the district.

The polls close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.