Yes, for now, to extension of Dist. 114 tax

Back in March of 2006, voters in Fox Lake Elementary District 114 approved a 25-cent tax rate hike to generate $3.75 million of additional revenue for the district and prevent cuts to programs, teachers and school hours. That increase is set to expire this year, and district officials are going back to voters on March 20 — asking this time to extend the rate for another five years.

Supporters point out that residents won’t be paying more. Rather. they just won’t get the tax savings they might have anticipated: about $166 for the owner of a $200,000 house.

A tax referendum is a tough sell in tough times, but without it, the district would be forced to make painful cutbacks. We endorse a yes vote on the referendum but hope the five-year extension will be enough so that residents can look forward to some tax relief down the road.