‘Not the time to approve a sales tax,’ say opponents of Lake County school facilities referendum question

Another unified voice has surfaced in opposition to a question on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters whether Lake County should be allowed to impose up to a 1% sales tax for school facilities.

Last week, the Barrington Area Council of Governments announced its eight-member entities, comprising seven villages and Barrington Township, unanimously opposed the proposal due to widespread rising costs already faced by residents.

“This one caught the attention of our mayors because they were hearing from their constituents,” said Kimberly Saunders, executive director of the organization focused in southwestern Lake County.

“Everything is more expensive and it’s a difficult time for folks,” she added.

About two weeks ago, the Lake County Republican Central Committee launched a campaign against the measure citing similar concerns. Volunteers have been knocking on doors and distributing information in all 18 townships and will be receiving yard signs soon.

At issue is the County School Facilities Sales Tax created by state law in 2007 as an alternative revenue source to local property taxes. If approved by voters, the county can impose a sales tax of up to 1% to be used exclusively for specific school-related uses.

Those include facilities and site work, such as additions or renovations; infrastructure or safety/security upgrades; school resource officers or mental health professionals; and, managing debt by paying off existing bonds or abating property taxes.

The question to be considered by voters countywide is getting more attention as Election Day nears.

Opponents say a new sales tax would be an unnecessary burden on already stretched residents. Supporters contend it would provide needed funding for safety and other improvements as an alternative to property taxes with non-residents contributing more than half what is generated.

The Lake County Regional Office of Education filed the referendum question on behalf of 23 school districts representing 60% of Lake County’s student population that approved resolutions asking that it be on the ballot.

“The most common feedback I hear is that people want to learn more so they can form their own opinion,” said Michael Karner, Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools.

A website has been created to to provide “clear facts” on what would and wouldn’t be taxed as well as how schools could use the revenue so that voters can decide, he added.

School districts aren’t allowed to advocate and can only present information. Some districts have posted information, linked to the website and discussed the measure and funding uses in open session.

Supporters say more than 52% of purchases are made by nonresidents. Groceries, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, titled vehicles and services are among items that would be excluded from the tax.

However, BACOG leaders contend the tax increase may still pull more than $60 million per year from the pockets of Lake County residents.

A sales tax increase would raise costs for all families regardless of income level or ability to absorb increased expenses, they say.

“Goods already cost more this year than last and many of our residents are struggling to make ends meet,” according to Tower Lakes Village President Andy Hay. “This is not the time to approve higher sales taxes.”

Deer Park Village President Greg Rusteberg said small businesses in Deer Park, which are close to the Cook County border, could be harmed because goods would be more expensive than competitors in nearby counties.

“A countywide tax increase should not be imposed unless it is essential to address a critical need,” he said.

The Lake County Federation of Teachers #504 is actively endorsing the measure, according to union President Andy Friedlieb. Mailers with the slogan “Vote Yes for Kids” were sent to all members and supporters have knocked on doors in Grayslake and Libertyville with Waukegan and Gurnee planned.

Chronic underfunding based on the state’s formula leaves many districts unable to repair classrooms and buildings until the issues become an emergency, Friedlieb said.

A yes vote, he added, would mean safer schools because of improvements to buildings and school security.

BACOG’s represents nearly all of Barrington Area Unit District 220. Its opposition statement says members “fully support funding our public school system.”

Saunders noted voter approval of two District 220 referendum questions in recent years for building upgrades. In a letter to the district in September, BACOG urged it to treat the sales tax as an alternative rather than additional funding.

“There’s a very clear difference between those circumstances and this tax increase,” she said. “They’ve been great financial stewards and we want them to continue” to do so, she added.

Superintendent Craig Winkleman presented an overview of the measure at the Oct. 6 school board meeting saying the district would have to contemplate how to use the funds if voters approve the sales tax.

Students come from four counties to Barrington schools and of those that live in Lake County, the sales tax could generate about $3 million for District 220, he said.

How to use the funds would be discussed as part of the annual budget planning process beginning in January, he added.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com

Daily Herald staff writer Steve Zalusky contributed to this report.