Lincoln-Way District 210 expects property tax levy to increase

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board approved its 2021 property tax levy last week.

The district said its operating tax levy is about 3.5% more than the previous year, according to a news release. The overall levy, which includes bond and interest payments, will be higher because of outstanding capital bonds, however, the district said its board is investigating options to limit the increase to taxpayers.

The most recent annual inflation rate was used to calculate this year’s property tax levy. Existing taxpayers will see an average operating increase of 1.4%, according to the release.

Lincoln-Way Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Michael Duback said local property taxes account for roughly 75% of the district’s total revenue, according to the news release.

“The support of our local community is, by far, our most important asset,” Duback said in the release.

There is a separate tax levy to repay long-term debts, which does not change with inflation. The district said its board has discussed whether restructuring the debt repayment may be possible.