Tax increases on the ballot for some Will County voters

Many Will County voters will have the chance to weigh in on taxing or spending issues for one of their local bodies of government.

Local taxing bodies sometimes will have to put a ballot question, or referendum, up for a vote in an election to seek permission from voters on various issues, normally whether or raise taxes or issue bonds.

Three taxing bodies largely in Will County will have referenda on the ballot for the June 28 primary election.

Manhattan School District 114

Superintendent Russell Ragon said his district is seeking authorization to issue $85 million in bonds, essentially a loan, in order to construct a new school building.

Ragon added the district is in need for a new building because of significant growth in its student population over the past several years.

On top of the district’s three existing buildings, Wilson Creek Elementary, Anna McDonald School and Manhattan Junior High School, the district has also had to use 12 modular buildings to accommodate all of its students.

“We’re literally are beyond max capacity at all three buildings,” Ragon said.

He added that if the referendum is approved by voters, the district should be able to maintain its tax rate because of the growth the district is projected to see over the next 20 years. A larger population would mean the district would see more tax revenue without actually raising its tax rate.

Ragon also said the district will need approval from the state legislature to bond out the $85 million since that total is beyond what the district is legally allowed to bond. He emphasized that the funding will only go toward construction of a new building and any funds left over will either be used to pay off the bonds or be given back to taxpayers.

Troy Fire Protection District

The fire district covering all of the village of Shorewood is seeking voters’ approval to impose a new tax rate in order to pay for more workers and new vehicles.

Troy Fire District Chief Andy Doyle said the tax increase would amount to a little over $33 for the owner of a home worth about $100,000. He added the district has seen between 6% and 8% increases in call volume each year recently, with the exception of 2020.

Plus, he said maintaining his personnel has become more challenging. He wants to be able to hire three full-time employees.

“It’s getting harder and harder to fill the part-time positions,” Doyle said.

Also, the district’s vehicles are aging and will soon be in need of replacement. For instance, one district fire truck that was purchased in 2003 is getting toward its end of life.

Between the trucks and ambulances, many are “starting to run a lot more and getting beaten down,” Doyle said.

He said a new ladder truck could run about $2 million. A new fire engine could cost between $600,000 and $800,000 and ambulances could cost around $300,000.

White Oak Library District

The library district encompassing much of Crest Hill, Lockport and Romeoville is asking voters for a tax increase, according to the district website.

If approved, the measure would increase the district’s existing rate from 18 cents per $100 of assessed value, to a little over 19 cents per $100 of assessed value. This means the average home in the district would pay about $15 more a year.

The district said with the additional funds, it plans to “improve library services to the public.”

The need for these improvements is based on public feedback received through a recent survey and input from a citizen’s advisory committee.

The main enhancements would include extending its operating hours, more outreach to seniors and more online books and services.