Will County Gazette

Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Mokena) made it clear she is thinking about the future when it comes to property tax relief.

McDermed presented two bills at the April 19 to the House Revenue and Finance Committee, starting with HB4958, which offers aggregate extension base on Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). She said she brought it forth so citizens are not taxed to the max before noting Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Superintendent Lawrence Wyllie’s recent school funding fraud indictment that has cost taxpayers.

“Property taxes are top of mind in my district,” McDermed said.   

The maximum tax rate has become the minimum levy every year for every school district in her region, McDermed said, before handing over testimony to Kristen Fitzgerald, president of the Naperville District 203 Board of Education.

Fitzgerald said legislation to allow school districts the option to return to the levy previously allowed in PTELL for three years after levying below the PTELL limit for three years would free up some of the budget for student needs.

“Our Board of (Education) believes changes of this nature would provide responsible savings for taxpayers along with protecting students in the case of unexpected budgetary shortfalls,” Fitzgerald said.

Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) asked Fitzgerald a question with an example of a 3 percent tax rate on a $7 million levy. He wanted to know how one year could end up being a “pretty big wallop” if the district decides not to use the maximum of the levy.  

“If you are allowed to do $7 million, I don’t think a board is going to take zero and then come back and want to take $7 million,” Fitzgerald said. “That is just unlikely given the real parameters of budget growth.”

Though he understands her point, Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) said lawmakers have to think of the worst-case scenario.

“The fact that you're able to bring this bill reflects financial responsibility; I just don’t know if I can say that about the rest of the school boards across the state,” Zalewski said, adding the board will consider the measure and be in touch through McDermed.

Presenting HB1899 next, McDermed said she brought forth the bill at the request of her district mayors.

“There is a rumor in Will County that we are looking at imposing a County School Facility Occupation Sales Tax,” McDermed said, again adding the Lincoln Way School District school-funding matter that has made the mayors gun shy. “That’s where this bill is coming from.”

Zalewski questioned if the tax had been enacted yet.

“No, but my mayors got very excited and nervous about it,” McDermed said.

She added they fear the worst.

“In the event they do the deed, you will come back to us and we will revisit this conversation and be ready for them,” Zalewski said.

McDermed said she would never stop pushing for tax relief for her constituents.

No action was taken on either bill, and both remain in committee for discussion.