The question of whether to add an additional 1% to the County Sales Tax is on the ballot in Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties.  School Boards are required to use the dollars generated from the tax for school construction and maintenance.  During the last election cycle, the Dixon Board of Education specified that the revenue would be used to build a Sports and Activity Center.

While the need for such a center has not diminished, the Board has stated as a whole, that the additional dollars are needed, and has chosen not to pursue the Sales Tax in conjunction with the Sports and Activity Center. 

Instead, if passed, the dollars would be used to complete needed work in the buildings and help keep property taxes down.  One example how the Sales Tax could be used to reduce the reliance on property taxes, would be in the Bond and Interest Fund.  Due to the repayment of some previously sold bonds, the total amount needed to be levied in the B&I fund has gone down by $300,000 for FY 14, which equates to about 10 cents per $100 and the Bond and Interest Fund will go down another $360,000 for FY 15, which means that fund will go down by about 20 cents in the next two years.  We know that buildings must be safe and well maintained.  The revenue from the Sales Tax can be spent on the upkeep of buildings and the need to sell future Health, Life, Safety Bonds would be reduced.

The 1% sales tax can be used for any of the following building repair, remodeling and renovation projects.  The Dixon School district has an ongoing rotation for many items such as roof replacements and HVAC replacements. This rotation is based on normal ASHRAE life expectancies and is also updated to coincide with warranties and guarantees on equipment.  This list is not all encompassing and is meant as general ideas of the use for the alternate funding source.  Many of the projects listed are planned in the near future and continue to expand the list as priorities change or problems arise. Some of the projects are: Roof repair or replacement; window replacement; tuck pointing and window sealing; classroom lighting and controls; HVAC replacement and individual room and mechanical controls; exterior security lighting; sidewalk repair and replacements; air conditioning and room ventilation; exhaust fan replacement; water softener installation; asbestos floor tile and HVAC/plumbing asbestos removal; furnace replacements; new water main installation; parking lot repairs; ceiling tile replacements; bathroom renovations; entire plumbing system upgrades; carpet replacement; safety and security cameras and locks. Specific items are prioritized yearly and are handled as the budget allows.

In conclusion, as the Board moves forward it has been made very clear that the 1% sales tax revenue is vital to the Dixon School District as well as all the school districts within Lee County and for that reason the Board of Education supports the passage of the 1% sales tax.