This is in regard to my real estate tax bill from Kane County and Blackberry Township. A 10-percent increase has made me question whether I can afford to live in Geneva any longer. It has also made me question the responsibility and accountability of the school board and the district who continue to carry their own agenda. Being a Geneva resident for more than eight years, I have seen my tax bill increase each year, resulting in a 35-percent increase from when we first moved to Geneva. When is enough enough?
The school district has asked for suggestions regarding their priorities. Here are a few.
Similar to corporate America, do more with less. Find a way to accomplish goals to do more but with less money. This has been happening for the last 10 years in business, but the school district just asks for more money year after year. It is time to be more fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.
Our goal should be to be the No. 1 school district in the state. This is not accomplished by spending more money, but by having a laser focus on quality education so every student can meet and exceed their potential. As a result, more families will want to move to Geneva to take advantage of our quality education.
The majority of Geneva schools are newer buildings. It is time to clamp down and pay off the debt without incurring more debt on lavish amenities.
The school board needs to realize that the Geneva taxing body will not stand for irresponsible spending any longer. If costs and taxes are not reduced, there might not be nearly the population to tax since no one will be able to afford to live in Geneva.
Kurt Kobylecky
Geneva
