By: Diane Benjamin

Unit 5 has held 2 events with citizens because they want a tax increase. The last one is virtual tonight:

Question that needs answered: Why did salaries increase in 2020: https://blnnews.com/2022/04/01/unit-5-did-esser-funds-inflate-salaries/

The number of employees and students decreased from 2019 but salaries increased over 7%. Was that a planned increase to push for a tax increase now?

Three revenue flows were brought to light at last night’s meeting that are NOT included in Unit 5’s projected revenue:

• The Normal Uptown TIF expiring in 2026 – that should produce over $1 million a year for Unit 5.
• The increase in EAV was projected at 2%, the actual EAV has increased at least 25%. Homeowners won’t like their property tax bills this year if assessors reflect the real increase in property values, but values should increase more than 2%.
• Property taxes for Rivian were abated for 5 years. That agreement expired 12/31/2021. Unit 5 did not include the taxes they will now receive from Rivian. https://normal.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2258

Just these 3 items are worth millions.

Before Unit 5 pushes for more money they need to tell the truth. Tonight is the last opportunity to demand it. Register for the virtual meeting at https://www.unit5.org/

Page down to find the link.

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