Winnebago County districts explore 1% sales‑tax referendum to fund school facilities; Harlem has passed resolution

Rockford Public Schools staff told the planning and development committee that most Winnebago County districts contacted about a proposed countywide 1% sales‑tax for school facilities have indicated interest and that several intend to bring resolutions to their boards.
"Harlem is a definite yes in moving forward," Chief Financial Officer Doctor Greg Brown said during a facilities funding update. He said Winnebago and Hononegah (reported in the meeting as Hananiga) and others had signaled support and that several districts would vote on resolutions this month; Durand planned a vote in October.
District staff said the working plan is to seek placement of the measure on the March primary ballot rather than the November general election. Brown said fiscal and ballot deadlines mean the participating districts would need to complete necessary board actions in early winter to meet a December filing window for a March election.
Discussion only: the committee received an informational update; no district vote or commitment on the sales‑tax referendum was taken in this meeting. Harlem’s local board had already passed resolution language, and Rockford staff planned to visit additional district boards in the coming weeks to seek formal support.
Ending: Brown said staff will continue outreach to Winnebago County districts and report back when each district has taken formal action on the proposed 1% sales‑tax resolution.