Lockport District 91 Referendum Projected To Fail: Unofficial Results

LOCKPORT, IL — With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the Lockport District 91 referendum is projected to fail, according to unofficial results.

The ballot had a proposition to increase the limiting rate of Lockport School District 91. The question 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?"

Results (unofficial totals) with 100 percent of precincts reporting:

• YES: 1,034 votes
• NO: 1,444 votes

Note that results are unofficial until after canvassing on Nov. 29, according to the Will County Clerk's Office.

The limiting rate increase proceeds would have been 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 have replaced 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 had been approved, the rate of $0.22 would have been applied to maintain the schools.

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.