CCSD 62 board backs Cook County Tax Coalition resolution and weighs using recapture levy to offset shortfalls

The CCSD 62 Board of Education on Jan. 20 approved a resolution from the Cook County Tax Coalition calling attention to delayed property-tax distributions that school officials say reduced the district's cash flow and could produce a substantial revenue shortfall.

Board member Mr. Bergman told the board that fall tax bills were issued late in mid-November and the district received about 60% of the expected property-tax dollars on Dec. 29–30. "We did receive 60% of the money due to us," he said, and referenced a letter from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas stating the remainder would be distributed "no later than February 5." Bergman estimated the district could lose "about $800,000 to $850,000" if distributions and spring billing schedules remain disrupted.

At the same meeting the board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the district's recapture levy, which Bergman said totals "a little over $2,400,000." The recapture levy is a statutory mechanism districts can use to recoup refunds tied to commercial/industrial appeals; board members debated the trade-offs of "taking" the full amount one year to cover immediate needs versus the regressive impact on homeowners and long-term policy concerns.

Board discussion reflected a range of views: some members favored taking the full one-time levy to protect programs and staffing, others urged restraint and recommended taking 50% to avoid overburdening homeowners. "If we take the money, it's this one year only," Bergman said of the one-time use argument; other trustees warned that repeatedly relying on taxes or levy changes can harm housing affordability.

The board voted to approve the Cook County Tax Coalition resolution (motion made by Mr. Bertolosi). The roll-call vote recorded ayes from the members listed in the minutes. For the recapture levy, the board did not take a final recorded vote but directed staff to prepare a formal abatement resolution for the February meeting that would propose abating half of the recapture levy; the board discussed using a procedural roll-call approach at that meeting to record members' positions.

What's next: The district will circulate the prepared resolution prior to the February meeting. Board members urged continued community outreach and legislative pressure on Cook County and vendor Tyler Technologies to address delayed distributions and system issues referenced in news coverage.