By: Diane Benjamin
That URL is linked from the District 87 website. Probably other area schools linked it too. It claims 35% of the new tax will be paid by people who visit or commute to McLean County.
It DOES NOT promise lower property taxes. It says the new revenue can be used for: Paying off facility bonds and/or reducing property taxes.
History shows paying off bonds means taking out more bonds. Reducing property taxes aren’t considered.
Look at your property tax bills from the last few years. Schools know there is a limit to how much they can take in property taxes. They know you are tapped out. This tax is simply a different way to take your money. Maybe they know the ridiculous rise in property values is unsustainable. They want a replacement for property taxes if values drop.
This tax will never go away. This is a regressive tax that hurts low income people the most. Everything (except already exempt items) will be taxed at 9.75%. Ever notice the tax added to your bill eating out? Local governments already add 2% more to that bill, it will increase another percent if this tax is passed.
You might see a temporary slight decrease in property taxes if it passes. It will be temporary.
The election is April 1st. Early voting starts February 20th. Can you find time to vote in 40 days?
In addition, let your Bloomington elected officials know they should vote NO on the 1% grocery tax! (Normal has already approved it)
One of the things they are claiming is the need for unit 5 to spend 52 million on building and facility needs in the next 5 years. Any idea on if the math makes sense to vote for 1% increase vs taking out bonds with interest to pay for those needs?
Thanks for the work you do here, a very helpful resource!
Paying cash for builds when bonds can be taken isn’t usually an option
If this 1% goes through, everywhere you shop gets more expensive and makes it harder on business owners to raise prices as they need to meet their ever esculating costs. Current rate of 8.75% and 10.75% goes to 9.75% & 11.75%. That’s too much.
Progressives want all you money so you have to kneel to get some back
When I see Heyworth talking a new football stadium with these funds, it becomes really hard to support. It’s like if a town decided to build a completely unnecessary underpass and paid mega millions to do it. It’s just irresponsible.
Schools in IL are spending astronomical amounts of money on new positions. With those come expensive pay, benefits and space needs to house them. Focus more on attracting and retaining good classroom teachers who are doing a great job educating our students.