http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-928632.mp3
Knox County, IL – This November, Knox County voters will be asked to approve a one percent sales tax hike to fund school districts throughout the county. Bigger districts, such as Galesburg, would receive more... while smaller districts, such as Abingdon, would receive less.
The money can only be used for facility improvements or bond abatements.
Abingdon Superintendent Tami Roskamp says her district would receive about $300,000 per year from the increase -- all of which would be used for bond abatements. Roskamp says the district will be paying off bonds from work done a few years ago until 2019.
The district currently has to pay $400,000 a year toward the bonds. Roskamp says having 75% of that obligation paid by new revenue means the district won't have to levy as much to pay back the bonds, resulting in potentially lower property tax bills.
The Knox County Board agreed to place the referendum on November's ballot a few months ago. The decision by the county board was unanimous, but that doesn't mean everyone was happy about it.
Some county board members, including chairman Greg Bacon, suggested the district cut costs before asking voters for a tax increase. Bacon says Galesburg schools in particular are top heavy, with high administrative salaries.
That message doesn't sit well with some administrators, including Silas Willard Elementary School Principal John Shelley. He says Galesburg is not top heavy at all compared to similarly-sized districts.
Plus, he says Galesburg schools desperately need the new revenue. If approved, the money Galesburg receives would likely be put toward its 20 year, $110 million facilities improvement plan.
Shelley says his 100 year old building has leaking pipes, is overcrowded and is in desperate need of an overhaul.
He says those who oppose the plan because the district is top heavy should "spend a day" in the schools to see how things work.
To learn more about the proposed one percent sales tax increase in Knox County, click "play" on the audio link above.