Brainerd opposition group donates remaining funds to food pantry
The itsanobrainerd political action committee, formed in opposition to a proposed property tax hike to convert the former Libertyville High School into a community center, recently donated its remaining funds to the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.
Libertyville residents opposed to the measure for what is known as the Brainerd building, contributed $2,016 to the group, and the remaining $275.22 after expenses was contributed to the food pantry.
The question of whether the village should be authorized to borrow up to $11.5 million by issuing bonds for the project backed by property taxes was defeated by voters March 18.
The committee was organized in late January by Libertyville resident Joe Bean, who served as PAC chairman.
"When we organized the committee, we designated the Libertyville Township Food Pantry as the recipient of any unspent funds," Bean said. "We watched our expenditures very carefully, and I'm happy that we could make this contribution on behalf of all those who contributed to our efforts. The food pantry, which benefits from a partnership among local businesses and generous individuals, provides an important service to hundreds of families in our community."
Bean said the goal before Election Day "was to create awareness of the referendum and its cost to the individual taxpayer and to provide as much information as possible about the potential long-term financial risks to the village had the referendum been successful."
The question, which was defeated with 82 percent of voters against and 18 percent in favor, "was a clear statement that the residents voted their pocketbooks," Bean said.
He also expressed the committee's appreciation to Mayor Terry Weppler, village staff and Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 for their cooperation and assistance in answering questions and providing information about the issue.
The website itsanobrainerd.com reported total expenditures of $1,740.78, including $1,188.30 for printing and duplication, and $367.19 for distribution. Details are posted at itsanobrainerd.com.