District 214 approves tax levy increase

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 approved a 1.8 percent tax levy increase during its meeting Thursday night.

A few residents asked the board to reconsider raising taxes before the unanimous vote for the levy, which officials said includes a .8 percent increase because of the consumer price index and an addition 1 percent to capture new property coming on the tax rolls in the district in the next year.

Wheeling resident Debbie Papreck spoke twice and said she thought the district should be rebating money to the taxpayers.

"We've got to stop taking this and just allowing it to happen," Papreck said. "I don't understand why we don't get the money back."

Papreck said she did thought the district's decision to spend $45 million from surplus reserve funds on capital projects across its six high schools was "frivolous."

Any of those projects that have not already been started have been put on hold because of a pending court case that could have precedent for District 214.

"Everyone is so tired of the constant tax increases," said Arlington Heights resident Julie Jones. "The tax increase may not seem like a lot to you, but I guarantee it is to residents who are still recovering from the recession."

Board members said that they are levying for the smallest amount possible to balance the budget while dealing with increasing costs, uncertainty about state funding and a possible pension shift down the road.

"We can't just do what the federal and state governments do and not pay," said board member Dan Petro.

Board member Jim Perkins touted the district's high rankings and accomplishments as well as the fact that people often look to buy houses in the area because of the strong schools.

"The community members of District 214 are getting a tremendous value for their tax dollars," Perkins said.