Barrington taxpayer group sitting this one out
As voters in Barrington get ready to head to polls next week, they won't be getting an opinion from a local tax watchdog group on whether to support a new community center.
Carol Schubert, president of the Barrington Enlightened Taxpayers Association said her group will not make a recommendation for or against the park district's proposal for a 55,800-square-foot community center at Langendorf Park.
"We are just going to let everyone make their own decisions on this," she said.
BETA hosted a forum last week during which park district Executive Director Terry Jennings presented the district's proposal and how much it will cost taxpayers.
Plans are to save portions of the current facility at Langendorf, adding on the new building directly to the west.
If OK'd, the new facility will include a double gym with walking track, more programming space, several community rooms and specific rooms for dancing and arts and crafts, as well as space dedicated for both preschoolers and senior citizens.
Officials said the initiative would add about $165 a year to the property tax bill of someone with a home worth $500,000. The question will appear on Tuesday's primary ballots.
Schubert said one of the bigger concerns raised during BETA's forum was that some district residents feel deserve more benefits than they now receive.
For most programs, Schubert said in-district residents pay about 10 percent to 20 percent less than those out of district. In Palatine, she said, district residents see 33 percent savings.
Jennings said the district is always reviewing its rates but that, given the aging facility, it is hard to ask people -- even those out-of-district -- to pay more than they already are.
But if voters agree to a new community center, Jennings said that will change.
"The taxpayers will see more of a discount because they are the ones paying for this," Jennings said.
The existing building -- the primary home for all district programs -- was built in 1930. It's deteriorating and not nearly large enough to support the growing community, Jennings said.
Schubert agrees the existing center is inadequate but worries about the current financial climate.
"There is no question they need a new building," Schubert said. "I just don't think the timing is right."
Schubert and Jennings agree one reason there hasn't been much public outcry over the proposal is that the park district hasn't made a habit of asking for money.
Jennings said she thinks the district has done a good job of showing that when it does ask for money, like for the recently opened Citizens Park, it is money well spent.
"I think we have proven what we can do for the community," she said.
In 2002, voters approved the spending of $11.5 million to build the 55-acre park. Since its opening last summer, the park has already won numerous awards, including a Governor's Hometown Award.
If you go
What: Community forum on the Barrington Park District's ballot request for a new community center at Langendorf Park
When: 7 p.m. today
Where: Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive
Info: (847) 381-0687