Dupage Policy Journal

Glen Ellyn residents who want to see their property taxes get lower rather than higher should vote down the Glen Ellyn School District 41 referendum on Tuesday, a taxpayer advocacy group says.

“If voters vote against the passage of this $24.2 million property tax referendum, taxpayers will see their property taxes decrease by about $248 because the district would finally retire previously existing debt,” Jared Labell, executive director of Taxpayers United of America, told the DuPage Policy Journal.

The referendum estimates costs of $24.2 million to make repairs at elementary schools and add onto Hadley Junior High, the Daily Herald reported.

“If the Glen Ellyn School District 41 referendum were to pass, it will cost local property owners roughly $120 annually in property taxes, plus the interest on the new debt," Labell said. “Because these projects never go as planned, costs are underestimated and the interest adds up. We urge voters to vote against this referendum and reduce their property taxes by about $248."

Voters have been offering their opinions on the measure on a Glen Ellyn online forum.

“Doesn't anyone else find it ridiculous that the district had enough money to do 4 (really 5) full construction projects on the elementary schools without requiring a referendum?" one person wrote. "That's a lot of money to have lying around to do with whatever you want (with no voter approval).”

Another user said he wants a break from tax hikes.

“I am tired of being nickeled and dimed by referendum after referendum," the user wrote. "I have to live within a budget so should our community. I will vote NO for the referendum and expect my taxes to go down more than the claim made by the referendum supporters.”

The TUA is also opposing home-rule referendums in Lynwood and Coal City, as well as government school property tax increases in Berwyn, Evanston, Hinsdale and Oak Park.

“TUA has defeated 420 local property tax increase referenda since 1977 with the help of our supporters," Labell said. "We urge voters to speak with their fellow taxpayers and vote no on these ballot measures, and against any other tax increase referenda on their ballot tomorrow.”