Waukegan School District Approves Urgent Tax Levy Increase

URGENT UPDATE: Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 has just approved a significant property tax increase for the first time in six years, voting 5-1 on a $55 million real estate tax levy that raises last year’s amount by 4.9998%. This decision comes amid rising inflation and concerns over education funding, leaving real estate owners within the district facing new financial burdens.

The vote took place on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Education Service Center in Waukegan, where board members expressed that the tax hike is essential for maintaining quality education for students. The district had kept property taxes level during the pandemic to ease residents’ financial pressures, but officials now indicate that increased revenue is critical.

Gwen Polk, the district’s associate superintendent for business and financial services, stated that the exact amount of taxes levied will not be confirmed until the assessment extension is released in late March or early April. However, board members are already signaling that another tax hike may be on the horizon when that vote occurs.

Board member Christine Lensing emphasized the need for this tax increase, stating, “Unfortunately, we need to understand the biggest hardship is on our students. We have a responsibility to these kids to give them the best possible future we can.” The district is grappling with economic uncertainties, including federal funding challenges and rising operational costs, making the tax hike a pressing matter.

With a $323 million budget approved in September, projected revenue from all sources is slightly over $283.6 million. If the board finalizes the tax hike, it will represent 19.54% of the total income. Polk noted that evidence-based funding from the state, approximately $166.3 million, represents the district’s largest revenue source.

Should property taxes be raised to the maximum allowable limit, homeowners with an assessed value of $103,205 will see an increase of $155 per year, while senior citizens could face an additional $170. Polk pointed out that the district has already forfeited $35 million by not utilizing abatement strategies in prior years, further complicating its financial situation.

Board member Anita Hanna was the only dissenting voice in the vote, advocating for spending cuts instead of increased taxes. “We knew this was coming,” she remarked, urging the board to consider reductions in expenditures.

Meanwhile, board member Carolina Fabian called the tax increase a “necessity,” highlighting the overall economic uncertainty. “The previous boards have tried to lessen the impact on our families by holding back for so many years,” she said. “We’re at the point where we can’t hold back and we’ve left a lot of money on the table.”

Michael Rodriguez, board president, reinforced the necessity of the decision, stating, “We have to make sure for our children the funds are there especially in light of all the uncertainty that exists in this modern day and age.”

As the district navigates through these financial challenges, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the forthcoming discussions and decisions that will shape the educational landscape in Waukegan. With tax implications looming, the community’s response will be crucial.

The board’s next steps will be closely watched as they prepare for the assessment extension and potential further tax discussions in the coming months.