Grayslake Taxpayers, Do You Want a Tax Break
- on 03.21.06
- CCSD #46
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The title of the Daily Herald article by Mike Riopell is very accurate, Grayslake taxpayers may get a tax break. The problem is you won’t get this break if unless you stand up and tell the board to abate those bonds. I was also at the meeting last night and the discussion on the bonds was not encouraging for the taxpayer. Read the exceprts below and then I’ll have more comments. Emphasis mine.
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Taxpayers could catch a break if Grayslake Elementary District 46 officials decide to give money back from some of its loans. The district board Monday night discussed giving back money from three years of bond premiums, cash bonuses the district gets up front in exchange for high interest rates. The discussion follows a Daily Herald analysis that revealed the district was one of many across the suburbs that took out premiums. But if the Grayslake district decided to give back some of the money, they’d be the first in the suburbs to do so following the study. The district took premiums that transcended its state-imposed debt limit. That’s not illegal, because by law, those bonuses don’t count against the limit. Board member Jill Rohrer said she sensed public pressure about returning some of the money. But board President Cheryl Davis said the district must balance any sense of obligation to give back with its need for the space. “When we did what we did, this board and this administration were not aware of this premium bond situation,†she said. |
Here is another quote from Cheryl Davis I included in the meeting notes:
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If not done illegally, that’s kind of a catch there right? |
Board members, this is our money, not yours. You should return it. Just because you have the legal authority to keep this money, it does not make it right that you do. I understand that you did not know about the Premiums when they were issued. I did not either and I supported your decision at the time. Now that we all know the truth it is time to do what is right.
Residents of Grayslake schools, if you believe the board should return our money, please contact them using the information below. Thank you Jill for standing up for the taxpayer. To the others, we elected you to be fiscally responsible. Represent us now and give back our money that you now know was not right to take. If you need more money, you have to ask.
| Cheryl Davis – 223-2759 | Sue Facklam – 548-2930 |
| Kristen Coe Peek – 548-2453 | Karen Weinert – 548-0436 |
| Keith Surroz – 548-1360 | Mark Hannan – 223-3540 x 5771 |
| Jill Rohrer – 548-8531 |
