Elmhurst Board of Education approves 2024 tax levy emphasizing community investment

During the Elmhurst School District 205 Board of Education meeting on December 17, 2024, board members engaged in a significant discussion regarding the approval of the 2024 certificate of levy. This topic is particularly relevant as it directly impacts local taxpayers and the funding of educational resources in the district.

Board member Kara emphasized the sensitivity surrounding tax discussions, noting that all board members are also Elmhurst taxpayers. She highlighted the importance of considering the financial implications for the community, especially for residents like her elderly in-laws. The estimated tax increase for a $500,000 home is projected to be approximately $245 annually, equating to about $20 per month. Kara stressed the board's responsibility to ensure that taxpayers receive a good return on their investment in education.

To illustrate her point, she shared an example of a home purchased in 2008 for $815,000, which sold in 2024 for nearly $1.4 million. Over 15 years, the homeowner paid around $214,000 in property taxes but ultimately received a substantial return of approximately $584,000 upon selling the home. This example was used to argue that homeowners are indeed benefiting from their investment in local schools and services.

Kara also pointed out that the district has the lowest tax rate compared to similar districts and noted that a recent referendum, which was expected to cost taxpayers about $150 for a $500,000 home, ended up costing only about $5. This reflects the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility, including the ability to abate taxes multiple times in recent years.

The discussion underscored the board's ongoing efforts to balance educational funding with taxpayer interests, ensuring that the community understands the value of their contributions. As the board prepares for further discussions on the levy and potential tax abatements in early 2025, the implications of these decisions will continue to resonate within the Elmhurst community.