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District 211 approves $275.8 million 2024 tax levy after heated public hearing
Summary
Despite public concern about a large unassigned fund balance, Township High School District 211 approved a $275,822,000 2024 tax levy after board debate and roll-call vote; one board member voted no and speakers urged clearer explanations of reserve use.
Township High School District 211 on Dec. 11 approved its proposed 2024 tax levy of $275,822,000 after a public hearing and extended board debate.
During the hearing, community member Jessica Hinkle told the board the districtis holding roughly $58,000,000 in unassigned fund balance and asked why taxpayers should face a levy increase while large reserves remain. "Unless administration can explain where the $58,000,000 that is unassigned in the current fund balance is actually going to be used," Hinkle said, "you as board members should be voting no to the proposed tax increase." The public hearing was opened and then closed by voice vote before the board took the levy up as an action item.
Board member Eric Dombrowski led the opposition on the dais, calling the levy "excessive" and questioning the timing and necessity of an increase while the district reports substantial unassigned reserves. Dombrowski asked why money abated in prior years would be returned via a "look-back" clause and urged greater clarity for taxpayers. Other board members and administrators said the levy reflects multi-year planning, anticipated needs and statutory constraints on district finances; they noted that levy-setting and the use of fund balances are related to operational stability and that the board receives detailed five-year financial projections.
At roll call the motion to approve the levy carried; Mr. Dombrowski recorded the sole no vote. The boardpresident announced the motion carries following the tally.
What happens next: the levy approval sets the districttaxing intent for 2024 and informs subsequent tax-rate calculations and budget planning for fiscal year 2025. The board and administration indicated they will provide further discussion and reporting to clarify fund-balance usage and to respond to community concerns.
Vote at a glance: motion passed on roll-call vote; Dombrowski voted no. No additional formal amendments to the levy were adopted at the meeting.
