The Glencoe District 35 school board has taken the first step toward a nearly 8.2% increase in its portion of the property tax levy for 2022 as it prepares for some large capital projects.
At their Oct. 13 meeting, the school board unanimously approved a tentative levy increase by 8.19% with the goal of collecting tax revenues from any new construction in the village.
However, existing property owners will not face that large of a spike in their property taxes due to state-imposed property tax caps.
“The 8.19% proposed levy allows for significant new growth, while only increasing existing property taxes, for operational purposes, by the tax cap level of 5%,” according to District 35 documents.
Director of Finance and Operations Jason Edelheit estimated an existing property taxpayer with a $15,000 property tax bill would see a $272 increase in the school district’s portion of the tax bill.
Edelheit noted the school district is in the process of a security assessment at all three schools and there could soon be a need to create some additional space at both Central and South schools that could cost millions of dollars.
“The 5% (consumer price index) levy increase is more than justified with what we have on our horizon,” Edelheit said.
Edelheit said the tax numbers could change as the school district awaits some property tax data from Cook County.
Normally, the school district would have the information by now, but the process has been delayed this year.
“It was one of the most dynamic, different and interesting levies that we certainly have done in my tenure here,” Edelheit said.
Overall, District 35 accounts for approximately 33% of the total property tax bill, the largest portion for the Glencoe property taxpayer, Edelheit said.
The board is expected to have a final vote on the levy at its December meeting.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.