Endorsement: Mundelein District 75 referendum
As the owner of any older home knows, sometimes you have to replace outdated equipment, improve safety or make nagging repairs that can no longer be ignored. Mundelein Elementary District 75 officials say they face that at their four school buildings -- one dates back to the 1880s, and the others were built in the 1950s and 1960s -- and the administration center, a former library that opened in 1936.
The district is pitching a pair of referendum questions on the Feb. 5 ballot.
One asks voters for permission to sell as much as $6.6 million in general obligation bonds to complete life/safety and repair projects; the other seeks approval for $3.3 million in general obligation bonds to install air conditioning in the buildings.
District officials point to a host of problems needing attention. Leaking roofs and windows, broken and leaking sewer lines, outdated science labs and lack of storage space are just some.
None of the buildings have central air conditioning systems. Officials acknowledge some could consider that a luxury -- hence, the separate questions -- but point to allergy and asthma problems among children, and the need for a comfortable learning environment, and argue it is an important update.
To lessen the blow, officials say the new bonds would be sold as old bonds are retired, meaning the district tax rate will drop, but by a lesser amount than without the new projects.
If both questions are approved, the district estimates the owner of a $300,000 home would pay about $291 annually to the bond and interest fund, or about $119 less than the 2007 tax levy.
If no bonds are sold, the same owner would pay about $166 toward bond and interest, or about $244 less.
The district has said it doesn't have other funds to do all the work, and many projects would be deferred, increasing both the time when needed repairs can be made as well as costs of such. District officials stress they have been good stewards of the public's money. The last education fund tax increase was in 2002, and the last school bond issue approved was in 1995.
We, too, believe District 75 has lived within its means, and agree the district presents a compelling case for approval and recommend a "yes" vote on both questions.