Crest Hill voters reject tax hike, leaving district to find savings

Richland School District 88A voters rejected a proposed tax increase on Tuesday night, leaving the district in Crest Hill with a tighter budget for the coming year. Unofficial results show the measure lost by a margin of 56.69 percent to 43.31 percent.

The district sought a 0.39 percent rise in the limiting rate, which is the maximum annual tax increase allowed without a public vote. Revenue from this tax covers daily operating costs such as supplies and student transportation, rather than building projects. Officials argued the increase was needed to generate $1.78 million in annual revenue to stop further cuts to staff and services.

District leaders pointed to rising inflation and stagnant state funding as reasons for the request. Before the vote, administrators noted that costs for goods and services had climbed while state support remained flat or dropped. The referendum was designed to preserve existing programs and prevent additional layoffs.

The district has already absorbed over $650,000 in budget reductions this year. These cuts included reductions in teacher, administrative, and social work staff, along with the elimination of the summer school program. Superintendent Phil Robb told the Crest Hill City Council in October that failing to pass the tax hike would force further reductions, potentially affecting all extracurricular activities.

Robb acknowledged the financial pressure on Tuesday night. "We've been doing our best to manage rising costs and have been working to address funding problems," he said. "Unfortunately, we will need to make some difficult decisions now in order to balance our budget."

The district now faces the task of balancing its books without the new revenue. Robb stated that the priority to provide quality education remains unchanged, but the administration must now implement the necessary adjustments to meet its financial obligations.